(Rehane
Abrahams. Pic by Val Adamson)
Suspended in Disbelief ... (Review by Verne
Rowin Munsamy)
It's not often that I am drawn to a piece
of theatre for all aspects of it and when this alignment between script,
performance, technical and direction occurs, the theatre is transformed into a
place of magic.
With a tantalising script and intricate
acting, this award winning piece of theatre, Womb Of Fire, made its way from Cape Town to the stages of the
Playhouse Company's Women's Arts Festival.
Written and performed exquisitely by Rehane
Abrahams and enticingly directed by Sara Matchett, Womb Of Fire delivers the stories of three women; the story of
Draupadi - borrowed from the Mahabharata
and two tales of two women enslaved by the Dutch in the early 17th century. We
jump through time and space, in and out of these women's stories to reveal the
atrocities that they endured for their defiance of a patriarchal-driven world.
The transition between these three worlds is marked by the beautiful music stylings
of Lukhanyiso Skosana.
The set, mostly bare but features a dance
pole that makes for some stunning choreographed blocking and demands the
performer to go above and beyond the ordinary. I loved the use of a 4m Sari
cloth that is engaged with in myriad ways. Not only does it distinguish
characters but it too commands an important place in the performance.
Nothing was out of place in this theatrical
masterpiece and I see why it has rustled up so many deserved accolades and
attention. A truly well-earned standing ovation. Well done to the team!
There are two more performances today
(August 18, 2018) in the Playhouse Loft at 15h00 and 19h30 (Tickets R85). The
production has a PG rating of 14 years. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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