There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere
of an arts festival to stimulate the senses and take us away from the mundane,
troubled world, and Hilton 2019 certainly didn’t disappoint. Like-minded people
react and socialise with each other, exchanging ideas and creativity across the
arts spectrum.
I was fortunate enough to attend five
completely different shows in one day as reviewer for the artSMart website –
and this is in addition to the wonderful and innovative art on display around
the Hilton College campus, showcasing the best that South Africa has to offer.
BRUTAL LEGACY:
(Charlie
Bougenon, Jessie Wolhuter & Natasha Sutherland)
In this time of activism against
gender-based violence, Brutal Legacy
reminds us that GBV has – sad to say – always been part of the fabric of South
African life. It is the story of media darling Tracy Going, who thought she had
found her dashing prince after the break-up of her first marriage.
Unfortunately, things go very sour after a short few months and Tracy becomes a
victim of some serious abuse.
The signs of an abuser are there for all to
see – the excessive swearing at a “psycho ex”, the drinking, the loner image
who won’t introduce her to his circle of friends – if indeed he actually has
one.
The
cleverly-constructed script, directed by Lesedi Job, is an adaptation of Tracy
Going’s book Brutal Legacy, creating
emotional counterpoints aplenty in its revelations of her childhood, attempting
to highlight the good times against the emotional and physical abuse of her
mother by a drunken father, abuse that no authority would investigate.
Presented by Daphne
Kuhn and Lesedi Job, the play takes us through all aspects of the relationship
with Tracy’s abuser – the flirtatious beginnings, the abuse and the court cases
- and is excellently performed by Natasha Sutherland, Jessie Wolhuter and
Charlie Bougenon. For me on a personal note, it was great to see Natasha
Sutherland on stage again, as I last saw her perform at the Playhouse in
Durban, during her time with the Loft Company!
Brutal
Legacy is a harrowing piece – for the actors and
audience alike, but should be seen by all. Don’t miss it if it comes to a
theatre near you!
THE GREAT BIG ENORMOUS TURNIP:
(Bryan
Hiles as the grumpy old man)
Coming out of Brutal Legacy and going straight into The Great Big Enormous Turnip was quite an emotional leap, but
that’s what arts festivals are all about.
This delightful show for the younger
generation (although it was thoroughly enjoyed by all the adults present) is
based on an old Russian folk tale and tells the story of a very grumpy little
old man and an equably grumpy little old woman who have been married for
numerous years and have got to a point in their relationship where they simply
can’t stand the sight of each other.
One day the old man sets out to grow the
biggest turnip in the world to prove he is the best gardener. The problem comes
in when he and his wife try to pull it out of the ground, which proves
impossible for the two of them, and requires the assistance of various audience
members, who become instant family members. The enthusiasm of the kids who
ended up on stage has to be seen to be believed!
The
Great Big Enormous Turnip was written by Peter
Court of Creative Madness, and co-directed by him and Bryan Hiles, who plays
the grumpy old man, ably assisted by Cara Roberts as the grumpy old woman.
There are laughs aplenty in this production, along with some valuable life
lessons to be learnt. A joy for all ages!
THE MAN AND THE MOUSE:
This was next on my list, and promised a
“behind-the-scenes” glimpse of the story of Disney studios and the mind of the
man behind it all. The audience was treated to some excellent singing and
dancing by an exceptionally-talented cast of four singer/dancers and three
on-stage musos (keyboard, bass guitar and percussion) as they performed hits
made famous in the multi-generational Disney movie catalogue, from the likes of
Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, Pocahontas, Beauty and
the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Toy Story, Tangled and Frozen.
Unfortunately, there was no cast list available in the pre-publicity, and the
performers were never introduced, so I can’t mention individuals by name.
After a bit of internet research, I have
learnt that the show was written and directed by Brett de Groot, who is also
the narrator and lead singer. While he is an exceptionally talented young man,
several of the older audience members found him a bit self-indulgent with his
frequent ad-libs to the band members, some of which were a tad risqué for an
all-ages audience.
While very entertaining, the show was also
rather long for a festival piece, at approximately an hour and three quarters.
One presumes that when the show has been performed in Johannesburg, it was
split into two acts with an interval. No such luxury at Hilton, unfortunately,
causing several younger members of the audience to indulge in a spot of
seat-squirming.
Altogether, this was an entertaining piece,
even if not the right show for a festival like Hilton.
THE PLACE OF SMALL MIRACLES:
(Bryan
Hiles & Cara Roberts)
Following on the success of The King of
Broken Things staged at last year’s Hilton Festival, The Place of Small
Miracles is the latest venture by Theatresmiths. It was written and
conceived by lighting supremo Michael-Taylor Broderick, and realised by him and
probably the two most hard-working actors at the festival – Cara Roberts and
Bryan Hiles.
The show is billed as suitable for all
ages, and as one at the top end of the age scale, I found myself absolutely mesmerised
by the creativity and intricacy of this production. Roberts and Hiles took us
on a magical journey of puppetry, theatrics, shadows, magic and ingenuity as
they led us on an expedition to discover the mysterious Place of Small
Miracles.
Hopefully, this show can be staged
throughout the country and appreciated by everyone who is privileged to witness
it. All I can do is doff my hat in admiration at the ingenuity of Michael
Taylor-Broderick and the amazingly talented duo of Cara Roberts and Bryan Hiles.
I look forward to what they will come up with for Hilton 2020!
BIJOU:
Followspot Productions’ Bijou was
the last of my five Festival picks for the day. For me it was a “must-see”
after the wonderful Caliente, staged at Hilton in 2018. Bijou was
certainly no disappointment as it followed the same mix of comedy, cirque,
song, dance and vaudeville, all wrapped up in a thoroughly entertaining and
sexy 70 minute long cabaret.
All the ingredients for which they are
famous were there – thumping music, incredible dance routines with the girls
being flung about like rag dolls, trapeze, atmospheric lighting, smoke and even
a mirrored floor in one incredibly sensuous solo dance sequence.
The action never lets up for a moment as
these incredible performers held the audience in the palm of their hands with
their unique mix of true entertainment. There really is no time to think, so if
you get the chance to see Bijou anywhere in the future, sit back, relax
and enjoy the ride!
For more information on the Hilton Arts
Festival visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za – Barry Meehan
Posts
