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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

FLIPSIDE



Written and directed by Sboniso Msimango, FlipSide is a story that follows two boys who live in the streets of Durban.

Sboniso Msimango appears on the role as Hamly with Wanda Zuma as James. Other cast members include Gcina Mavuso who plays the father, Mfundi Ndwalane and Zweli Buthelezi as the musicians and Celest Mpanza , Ayanda Nxumalo as the vocalists.

Hamly and James are lively street-beggars faced with the harsh conditions on living on the cold streets while trying to maintain the people they are inside.

Hamly is a conflicted young man who made a promise to his late father to “finish his business” and James is the person that helps him survive in the streets and as it turns out, he is the reason why Hamly is on the streets as well. We see a relationship that tries to be - but also fights not to be - at the same time. Our natural instinct is to create relationships but the conflict in FlipSide is how does one create a relationship in an uncompromising condition and what purpose does it serve? This is a riveting story about will and fate. It is about Hamly’s subconscious and the fight and struggle for survival of not only the physical but also the mental.

 On the streets, James acts as Hamly’s protector and provider but fate quickly turns as he discovers something detrimental to their friendship and alters the course of things. The father, who carries a strong presence in the production, is seen and heard through the trance of Hamly. He appears to him and speaks to him in a language that is only understood by Hamly which continuously urges him to complete his duties.

Internal conflict, masculinity, survival in uncomfortable places, fate and revenge are some of the major themes in FlipSide.

FlipSide runs in the Courtyard Theatre at the Durban University of Technology from August 25 to 27 at 19h00. Tickets R60 (R40 for learners) booked through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively call the Courtyard Box Office on 031 373 2194 (office hours).

To secure school bookings, or for further information, call 084 627 3352 or 073 787 3681(o/h).