LOMELO AND JULA: REVIEW

This is a show not to be missed. (Review by Debbie Mailovich)

An absolutely triumphant production opened at the Courtyard Theatre last night at 19h00. 

The work, Lomelo and Jula, a clever adaptation and isiZulu translation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by Sabatha Ngcobo, innovatively set within an EThekwini taxi war, was superbly directed by Siza Mthembu with honest and expressive performances by DUT Drama and Production Students, and a most exciting mix of award-winning choreographer Mdu Mtshali's choreography.

Artistic sets, costumes and visual spectacle was designed by Sli Pooe, and well lit by Lerato Ledwaba.

The production travels from a setting in the Courtyard outside, complete with two full yellow taxis holding the cast and pumping music and taxi rank queues represented by tyres in rows under township signposts. After the open-air set up, the cast invite you in to the theatre complete with two identical houses with flat top balconies - CSL and CSR - for each male lover, Lomela and Jula, sensitively portrayed by Sandile Dladla and Wandile Mtotoyi.

Amongst the notable performances were Snqobile Kunene as the Nurse, Godlimpi Khulekani as Montague, Thamsanqa Khumalo as Capulet, Sanele Nxumalo as Mercutio, Philani Mbuyisa as Thibathi (Tybalt), Philani Dube as Benvolio and Sabelo Dube as Rank Manager.

Besides the performances acknowledged in this review were numerous notable cameo roles, too many to include. In this production, the surprises keep coming as a little later the roll-up door to the loading bay reveals a squatter camp shantytown beyond the theatre providing depth, levels and planes to the multifunctional indoor/outdoor setting.

This is a show not to be missed. Running at the Courtyard Theatre (Mansfield/Steve Biko Road) from March 2 to 6, 2020, nightly at 19h00 with one matinee for school bookings on Friday March 6 at 12 noon.

Tickets available at the door.

For more information call 031 373 2194 or email bawinileM1@dut.ac.za– Debbie Mailovich