(Above:
Director Verne Rowin Munsamy in red jacket with cast members)
Through the use of furniture, lighting, and projections, atmosphere and locale changed from one scene to the next as we followed the narrative through relationship troubles, comic scenes, and dance challenges. At times, even the stage hands were entertaining. (Review by Romi Schumann)
Bollywood has come to DUT. One of my favourite things about Bollywood movies is how in the middle of a scene, for no apparent reason other than having fun, there is a song and dance number, and the student production of Bombay Chasers 2 at the Courtyard Theatre does not disappoint. The opening night performance of Verne Rowin Munsamy’s original play had the audience whooping with delight at each of the 12 dance numbers.
The show is written, directed and choreographed by Verne Rowin Munsamy and performed by DUT Drama students at the Courtyard Theatre
The love story of Keshav (Nkanyise Ndlovu) and Rhadana (Nontethelelo Ndwandwe) is moved along by the sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek and deliciously corny narrators played by Bongiwe Buthelezi and Nontobeko Pakathi. They also link the story to the teachings of Lord Krishna and his love for Rhada with the help of audio visuals.
Munsamy’s script is a perfect vehicle for students who want to stretch their performance muscles. The large cast all spoke in Indian accents except Sabelo Mngomezulu who was highly entertaining as Vuyo with his Zulu accent. The over-the-top characters, typical of Bollywood, were embraced by the cast and enjoyed by the very supportive audience. And everyone danced! The students rose to the challenge of the progression from the classical Indian dances to the fast-paced and positively daring ‘street’ choreography, the different dance genres demonstrating their passion and natural talent.
The costumes were fabulous, and I especially liked the more traditional ones. It is not easy to dress a large cast for quick changes and the odd costume malfunction was handled smoothly and quickly. Striking use was made of simple, cost effective designs such as the boys’ braces and bowties for their dance number in the Nite Club.
The balance between the sound tracks and the dialogue needs to be adjusted as one’s ear struggles to hear the lower volume of the natural voices immediately after a dance number and I was disappointed at not being able to hear the sticks in the Act 1 Dandiya Raas. (Stick Dance) That being said, Munsamy’s great blend of Bollywood/South African music also had audience members on their feet and dancing. Through the use of furniture, lighting, and projections, atmosphere and locale changed from one scene to the next as we followed the narrative through relationship troubles, comic scenes, and dance challenges. At times, even the stage hands were entertaining.
A good night was had by all and the support of the student body was wonderful to see. The show runs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 18h00 at the Courtyard Theatre with a show on Thursday, September 7 at 16h00 due to load shedding. Tickets are R50.00 and R20.00 for students. - Romi Schumann
For bookings contact: Bawinile Nomcebo Mngadi on email: BawinileM1@dut.ac.za
The Courtyard Theatre is situated at the Durban University of Technology, 1 Steve Biko Road, Musgrave, Durban.
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