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).
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