(Graham Weir)
An intensely personal journey handled by a master of his
craft. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Durban audiences will remember Graham Weir from his
appearances in Not the Midnight Mass, a
musical show he founded with his sister in 1988, and a number of productions at
the Playhouse.
Dead Yellow Sands,
a one-man show which he wrote, is a minimalist piece in terms of movement and
set. Directed by Bo Petersen, with excellent lighting design by Darron Araujo, it
had a run at the recent Hilton Arts Festival.
All there is on stage is a single chair with lighting stands
either side. Weir does not move from this position throughout but he takes on
the role of numerous characters all showing his excellent dramatic ability and
impressive vocal power. The content is drawn from his own memories or those of
people he knew.
He opens the show, reminiscing about being raised in Benoni,
talking about how the dead yellow sands blew from the mine dumps and covered
the surrounding areas. He recalls with fondness a road show featuring the
dolphins Bonnie and Clyde and the arrival of a replica of Jan van Riebeeck’s
ship, the Dromedaris. Through his different characters, he deals with how
things have changed so extensively as the world has become so technology-driven
and mourns the loss of a more meaningful time. His final character is extremely
moving and had me close to tears.
Araujo justifiably won the Fleur du Cap Award for Best
Performance in a One Person Show and Best Lighting Design. As the scenes
change, he produces fascinating shadow effects. However, I did find that sometimes
these detracted from Weir’s performance particularly during one sequence where
only the one half of his face was lit. I felt myself wishing I could see Weir’s
expressions.
Dead Yellow Sands
is an intensely personal journey handled by a master of his craft. – Caroline Smart
For more information on the annual Hilton Arts Festival
visit https://www.hiltonfestival.co.za
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