(Menzi Mkhwane,
director Ralph Lawson, Rory Booth & Ashwin Singh)
The direction leaves you nostalgic, buoyant of the future
and content with the present. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Singh Siblings Productions is currently presenting Into
The Grey in the Playhouse Company's Loft Theatre. Meticulously directed by
Ralph Lawson and penned by the profound Ashwin Singh, this show explored the
pragmatic and sometimes turbulent relationship between Logan (Singh) and
Sandile (Menzi Mkhwane).
The play is set in post-apartheid Chatsworth, an Indian
Township South of Durban central. We meet the central character Logan, played
by Singh himself, and his college acquaintance and friend, Sandile. We follow
their journey as they strive for a racially diverse Chatsworth through a Youth
Centre called The Freedome. Apart from race politics the play also touched on
gender, sex and a few other themes. There are strong political undertones as
many riots and significant moments of tension are highlighted as the play
cascades across several decades.
There are several minor, yet significant characters in the
story, all played astutely by Rory Booth, who drive this poignant storyline
forward. It examines Indian life in Chatsworth and how integration has both
worked and failed to varying degrees. All three actors do well in their
respective roles, however, I was most enthralled with the efforts by Booth.
I adored the lighting effects on the set which consisted of
a staircase with protruding Flats, representative of Chatsworth. This location
was used to maximum benefit, portraying intimacy in blocking when needed and
disguise with shadow effects behind the screen, to hide the traumatic
incidences.
In the end we are left with many trepidations but also with
the gentle reminder of the possibility of hope. The direction leaves you
nostalgic, buoyant of the future and content with the present. Well done to the
production company.
Into the Grey
has two
more performances in The Playhouse Loft tomorrow (Saturday) September 15 at
15h00 and at 19h30. Tickets R80 with concessions for students and pensioners. Booking
is via Computicket, telephonically on 0861 915 8000, online at
www.computicket.com, or by calling the Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540/
369 9596 (office hours). - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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