I was impressed with
the direction and the standard of performance as well as the energy and
enthusiasm. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Two short plays form part of this year’s Durban
University of Technology’s 9th Children’s Theatre Festival.
Both directed and written by Lee-Anne Naicker, these
are Story-Time and Cinderella 4.0. They feature 48 first-year
students and I was impressed with the direction and the standard of performance
as well as the energy and enthusiasm.
There are some highly talented actors in this large cast
and this gives me confidence in the future – one can only hope that the
capacity to find theatre work in Durban has considerably improved by the time
they graduate!
The plays are based on Naicker’s love of fairy tales.
However, she acknowledges that times have changed and modern technology is a major
focus of young people today. So her aim is, as she says: “To revisit gold
old-fashioned tales as well as highlight technological advancements since the
proverbial “good old days.”
Story-Time, which is
presented in isiZulu and performed in colourful traditional outfits, mixes Hansel and Gretel as well as Little Red Riding Hood. The opening
explodes with energy and a fascinating rendition of We Will Rock You performed to indigenous Zulu dance. The Pink Panther theme is also used to
good effect!
What impressed me considerably with this production is
the fact that Naicker is not versant in isiZulu but each actor translated his
or her character’s dialogue. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the language is not
good enough to be able to comment accurately but, judging from the audience’s
responses, it all worked extremely well.
The next production was a very clever rendition of Cinderella 4.0 which is inspired by the
Fourth Industrial Revolution and was co-written by Donna Steel with
choreography by Rowin Munsamy.
It would spoil the delightful plot if I gave too much
away but let me say that the fairytale is catapulted into the 21st
century and its widespread technology. Here are a few hints – Cinderella’s
broom is replaced by a vacuum cleaner; she gets to the ball in a driverless
car; she doesn’t leave her slipper there but her cellphone. The scene where the
Ugly Sisters try to claim ownership of the phone is hilarious, as they are eventually
defeated by technology! There’s also a writer called Fakespeare and a Fairy
Godmother called Fairy Googly-Mom.
Many of the actors alternate from performance to
performance and I would strongly suggest theatre lovers support this
production.
Shows take place as follows: tonight, Wednesday September
11, at 18h00 and September 13 at 12 noon and 18h00
Tickets R50 (R30 children). Block booking for 10 or
more at R20 each. Contact details for bookings Winnie on 031 373 2194 or
Lee-Anne 031 373 2711
The festival takes place at the Courtyard Theatre,
Durban University of Technology on the Steve Biko Road, Ritson campus, Gate 6. –
Caroline Smart
Posts
