“i”

Sometimes tongue-in-cheek and amusing, and sometimes serious look at modern technology and social media, and the enormous impact it has on the lives of everyone. (Review by Keith Millar)

Currently on at the Courtyard Theatre on the Steve Biko campus of the DUT is an innovative, collaborative production featuring the third-year students from the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Drama and Production Studies.

Entitled “i” the production takes a sometimes tongue-in-cheek and amusing, and sometimes serious look at modern technology and social media, and the enormous impact it has on the lives of everyone.

This workshopped production which is told in four chapters was written, choreographed, composed and performed by the students themselves.

Each of the chapters was developed under the leadership of a different director with Rowin Munsamy, Leigh-Anne Naicker, Donna Steel and Professor Debbie Lutge all lending their expertise and experience to the production. The fact that the result is controlled and tight, despite the obvious youthful exuberance which is on display, is a testament to the influence this quartet exerted on the development of the production.

One thing that is certain with all student productions is that there is always plenty of energy, plenty of enthusiasm and plenty of honest wholehearted effort on display. This group of third year students delivers on these fronts by the bucket load. This is their own work and the enjoyment and sense of achievement they from derive from presenting it on stage is palpable and adds a certain sense of elation to the production. 

The production makes considerable and clever use of video productions throughout. These were of a very acceptable standard and where produced by Lance Rayner Lutge of RITE Studios.

Sound and lighting were also of a very good standard and most complimentary to the production.

Personally, I fall into the category of people who need an upgrade on my knowledge of modern technology and social media. This combined with the fact that workshopped material can be very personal, and therefore possibly not common information, left me a little at sea at times during the production.

Having said that, there many amusing and thought provoking moments in the production and I am sure that more techno savvy people (read all our youth) would find much in the production to enjoy.

“i” runs at the Courtyard Theatre on Steve Biko Road tonight and tomorrow (March 18 and 19) at 19h00. To book, call 031 373 2194 or 031 373 2532 or email NapoleonM@dut.ac.za. Tickets also available at the door. – Keith Millar