A powerful theatrical piece full of strong
drama, much humour and some lovely scenes of pathos. (Review by Caroline Smart)
If you are able to catch the excellent Touch My Blood which is currently
showing in the Playhouse for a few performances, you will be astounded as you
walk into the Grand Foyer where the play is being presented.
I wondered at the choice of The Grand Foyer
over the Loft but I immediately saw why. Set and lighting designer Wilhelm
Disbergen has brilliantly transformed this venue into a fascinating 180-degree
performance space for this excellent production.
The contrast between the Tudor-style of the
venue and the set pieces depicting township homes backed by corrugated iron
panels was fascinating. Another interesting – and unplanned feature – is that
the ceiling of The Grand Foyer was originally constructed in such a way that
tiny lights shine through like stars at night, which fits this setting very
well. The pillars around the room have been covered with newspaper cuttings,
referring to the author’s journalist career.
The book, Touch My Blood is the autobiography of acclaimed and respected
South African author, Fred Khumalo, whose writings over the years have covered
major political and social changes in South Africa. Originally from
Chesterville and having grown up in Hammarsdale outside Durban, he is a
journalism graduate of Technikon Natal (now Durban University of Technology).
He started making his name at school when he created a regular news bulletin,
determined to highlight inequalities in the apartheid system. He is now editor
of the Sunday Times' Insight & Opinion section and has contributed to major
newspapers and magazines. He also hosted the SABC 2 public-debate television
programme Encounters in 2008.
The title of the book comes from a saying
the teenage Khumalo would utter when he greeted his friends with a handshake.
The three words can be interpreted in a number of ways, all of them signifying
trust.
The staged Touch My Blood forms part of this year’s Playhouse Company New
Stages roster and is a product of The Playhouse Company Actors Studio
incubation programme. Director Matjamela Motloung has adapted the play from
Khumalo’s autobiography with the assistance of the Actors Studio Company.
The cast features Anele Nele as Fred
Khumalo who gives a strong and compelling performance. He is ably and
efficiently supported by the rest of the Company: Phumelele Majola, Okuhle
Danti, Ayanda Nyawo, Fezeka Shandu, Simphiwe Dladla and Thobani Gama.
The setting is the 80s and the actors are
mainly dressed in black vests or singlets and tights, adding the occasional
prop to accentuate the character. The narration is mainly in Khumalo’s “voice”
but Motloung has skilfully styled the action to give all performers a chance to
shine. I was impressed at the range of credible characters and movement
ability. At first, I was a little confused (unfortunately, I lost a lot of the
content in the isiZulu sections) as to who was who, until I worked out that anyone wearing
the same distinctive cap that Anele Nele was wearing, was continuing the
author’s voice.
The production is just under two hours long
but the action keeps the audience riveted. It is also an extremely valuable
educational vehicle for both young and old who are not familiar with the kind
of existence and challenges that Khumalo had to face during his early life. We
also meet some of the personalities - some good, some bad - that influenced
him. Make no mistake, this isn’t an academic presentation but a powerful theatrical
piece full of strong drama, much humour and some lovely scenes of pathos.
Touch
My Blood has performances tonight and tomorrow (May
18 and 19) at 19h30 in the Playhouse Grand Foyer. Tickets R80 booked through
Computicket 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or call 031 369 9540
(office hours). – Caroline Smart
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