(Jill Sysum & Lerato Xaba)
Fine
performance from Lerato Xaba in James Jooste’s latest drama. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Durban
director, producer and playwright James Jooste (21) has presented two
productions at DHS’s Seabrooke’s Theatre and has now created his latest show
titled Saving Grace. Identified as a comedy-drama,
it is running at Seabrooke’s until September 17.
In this
sorrowful period of a dearth of good dramatic shows in Durban, all kudos to
Jooste and his Blank Canvas Productions for firmly believing that there is a
future for drama in this city.
Saving Grace is about a woman who takes on the care and
guardianship of Zoe, the granddaughter of her best friend Harriet who has
recently died. Zoe’s mother, Iris, was a drug addict and she has been led to
believe that Iris died of an overdose. However, fate decides Zoe needs to know
the truth.
Into the
equation comes a charming young man – just as lonely as Zoe – with whom she
forms a relationship. However, their path together will face a serious
challenge.
The
script is amusing as well as poignant as the various relationships develop in
their often tempestuous ways. Initially, Zoe and Grace do not hit it off
well – Zoe is cheeky, rude and far too forthright for Grace’s liking. However,
their joint love for Harriet pulls them together.
In the
role of Grace is Jill Sysum who handles her part with sincerity but lacks
confidence and often loses the comedy timing required to give the character the
necessary depth.
The
incredibly tall Daniel Levi is appealing as a budding guitarist who has opted
to run away from his very wealthy family. Levi handles his role with ease and
makes the most of the comedy.
Lungile
Mkhize gives the role of Iris a sense of spirit and zest but needs more
credibility as an unhinged woman desperately trying to regain her relationship
with her daughter.
The play
features a very fine performance from Lerato Xaba as Zoe. She gives consistency
and a feisty honesty to her role.
Saving Grace has a number of issues but these could be
due to technical limitations at Seabrooke’s.
I think
the script could do with some restructuring to do away with the many scene
changes. Perhaps the use of specific lighted areas rather than a full set,
although they do make use of the front area of the stage at audience level.
Quick
changes (which can be seen in shadow on the backcloth) mean that we often see
recognisable outfits underneath the new ones. The constant scene changes make
for an uneven process and time lapses are often difficult to identify as the
props on the table- whisky bottle, half-full glasses etc – are not removed.
There was also a lot of distracting noise from backstage.
The
nearness of the door knocks and lack of door opening/closing sounds makes many
entrances and exits illogical. Might be an idea to use a doorbell or a camera-controlled
entrance on stage so visitors can be buzzed in.
I am
certain that many of the issues that hampered the show last night will get
ironed out quickly if they haven’t been done so already.
Blank
Canvas Productions is a pro-active
young group and deserves every theatre-goer’s support.
Saving Grace runs at Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High
School with performances until September 17 with shows from Tuesday to
Saturdays at 19h30 and Sundays at 15h00. The show is approximately 90 minutes
excluding interval. Tickets R100 (R80
pensioners and students). Book at WebTickets. For block bookings of 10 or more
seats email James@blankcanvasproductions.co.za - Caroline Smart
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