(Pic
by Val Adamson)
The whole cast worked excellently together
like a well-oiled-machine. They showed commitment and grace and performed
beyond professionalism. (Review by Philisiwe Twijnstra)
The Young Performers Project presents Curtain Up, a musical revue.
Curtain
up begins with a group of driven young performers
sneaking into a dark derelict building that had been nesting pigeons. The story
unfolds through songs and synchronised choreography. They find out that the
building used be an old theatre and it was due to be sold and turned into a
Casino. Curtain Up had emotional
overtones and a predominant need to belong somewhere. A sense of wanting a home
to sing and dance. Every song had its own underlying theme and emotional
turnover. Excellent duets and solos from the cast with minimal costume
changing.
Besides this, I knew most of the songs that
were sang; some from cabaret musicals playlists, contemporary popular songs and
alternative music and a tad bit of South African traditional music. Which I
personally think was such a great touch. However, I related more to the yearning,
the passion, the talent and dedication which every actor had shown, as an
ensemble. I didn’t know what to expect when I first entered in the auditorium.
The word “amateur” has a tendency of throwing people off because the word
itself insinuates a “less than”. Curtain
Up proved that every pre-conceived notion about a young performer: that
they were lazy or less clued up— was an old tale.
Curtain
Up is an interesting musical revue written by
Charon Williams Ros and directed by Jaco Van Rensburg. I applaud the director
for his vision and making every actor/ singer/ dancer on that stage find their
light and shine. Everyone had moment to be great. The balance of talent and
inclusiveness was emotionally engaging. Curtain
Up is a relevant story precisely to Durban artists.
This musical reminded me when Stable
Theatre and Catalina Theatre were closed down. A sense of belonging was taken
away. Durban artists were forced to think outside the black box which drove
everyone to a state of solitude and seclusion.
However, in Curtain Up the young performers were faced with a similar dilemma
of needing a theatre to rehearse. Instead of trickling to their own corners, they
came together as a community to find a new home to sing and dance. Curtain Up
is close to home, a very necessary story with impeccable performances from
Anele Nojiyeza, Alex Van Schalkwyk, Marianthe Panas, Sihle Manonyane, Keeley
Crocker and Tino Kazi. Well-known performers Mthokozisi Zulu and Sbongiseni
Shezi held the cast together with their astounding and fresh comical moments.
(Leah
Mari)
The whole cast worked excellently together
like a well-oiled-machine. They showed commitment and grace and performed
beyond professionalism. A special mention of Lesedi Goge with his perfect comic
timing, strong presence from Scebi Mpaza and Kyran Taylor. I would not be doing
justice if I did not share my personal shout out to Leah Mari, Oqalile
Tshetshe, Nelisiwe Zimba, Rachel Devine, Sonwabile Mnengela, William Young,
Benjamin Rodriguez and the rest of the cast. You shone in your light and kept
the story going.
I just realised that every actor certainly
started by singing and dancing in a group, before they realised they wanted to
tell stories and have a purpose. I urge every actor who has forgotten why they
do theatre and why they call themselves actors to go and watch Curtain Up. Surely it was a reminder for
me.
The show runs until June 2, 2019, with
performances at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from Wednesdays to
Saturdays at 18h00 and Sundays at 14h00. There are also early shows on
Saturdays at 14h00. Tickets R90. Booking is through Computicket outlets at
Shoprite Checkers, by phone 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
2019. - Philisiwe Twijnstra
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