(Above: Performers: Paul Ferreira and Daniel Anderson. Production team: Amanda Bothma, Jacques du Plessis and Germaine Gamiet. Pic by Val Adamson)
It is an hour of amazing story-telling, music and visuals. You will definitely come away from the show having been blown away by the performances of an incredibly talented and amazing pianist, Paul Ferreira, and an equally-talented and versatile performer, Daniel Anderson. I know I was. (Review by Carol King)
I had the privilege and opportunity to see a second amazing show this week and cannot believe I was so lucky.
Although Vincent – His Quest to Love and Be Loved has been at the Rhumbelow Theatre before, this was the first time I had seen the show. And what a magical and mind-blowing experience it was.
Through word – narration and letters (written to Theo, Vincent’s brother) – and music (well-chosen songs) – and supporting visuals, Daniel Anderson takes you on a sensory journey through the life of Vincent van Gogh. The journey is interesting and informative – particularly if you know as little about Van Gogh’s life, desires and torments as I did.
The essence of the story is Vincent’s need to love and to be loved. Unfortunately, he looked in all the wrong places and fell in love with the wrong women. This all added to the torment of a very troubled, unsettled artist with the most amazing creative talent – only recognised after his death.
Van Gogh had a turbulent life – and made it very difficult for himself in so many ways. He was never able to hold on to a job for long.
He was incapable of handling a relationship. Pressure from family, friends and the girls he tried to bring into his life eventually pushed him over the edge.
The story Daniel Anderson narrates shows us so much more of the human side of Vincent and not just what was limited to his paintings.
The stage set is unassuming and simple – a desk, a stool, the piano and a framed portrait of Dr Paul Gachet, who treated the troubled artist. The simplicity of the set allows for the visuals of Van Gogh’s paintings to surround the stage – a huge backdrop and two side screens. The first visual is his painting Almond Blossoms – beautiful, serene, calming.
The visuals change constantly as Daniel Anderson leads you through his story – with both well-known and lesser-known paintings. These visuals included self-portraits, paintings of Paris and Arles, paintings reflecting his view of the world around him and, of course, portraits of some of the women he loved. These visuals in no way detracted from the performance but rather enhanced it.
Daniel Anderson is amazing – both as an actor and a singer. He is a true artist whose performance can only be described as stellar as he quickly draws the audience into his story. His performance is perfect and effortless as he moves from the narrative to the voice of Vincent himself to the singing. He manages the appropriately-chosen songs with well-practised ease – and moves through the emotions of the story and the songs seamlessly. He takes the audience with him as he graduates from acute grief to hysterical desperation to utter despair. He is a versatile singer, able to handle a wide variety of songs and genre in his telling of the story.
Songs included are those of Nat King Cole, Freddie Mercury, Jacques Brel, Bread, Stephen Sondheim and, finally, Don McLean. All were recognisable and I am certain many in the audience were mouthing the words as the music drew them in. My favourites were Somebody to Love, If a picture could paint a thousand words (how appropriate in the context of the show?), Carousel, What’s going on? and, of course, Vincent. The music and the story intertwined, as did the emotions on the part of Daniel Anderson – taking the audience on highs and lows. WOW!
I have to mention the accomplished Paul Ferreira who accompanied on the piano. His performance was slick, professional and as versatile as Daniel’s. He and Daniel were so obviously in tune with each other. The music was in both of them!
The show has just returned from a very successful tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It has also garnered several awards and nominations both locally and abroad – all well-deserved.
Vincent has a performance at the Rhumbelow in Umbilo tomorrow, Sunday 13 April, at 14h00.
The running time is 60 minutes.
It then moves across to the Rhumbelow at Northlands Bowling Club in Durban North –
Friday 19 April at 19h30
Saturday 20 April at 19h30
Sunday 21 April at 19h30
Ticket prices vary. Drinks and food are available
at both venues.
Venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks. Food
is not available at the theatre - bring a picnic (no alcohol may be brought on to the
premises)
The show runs for 60 minutes. It is an hour of amazing story-telling, music and visuals. You will definitely come away from the show having been blown away by the performances of an incredibly talented and amazing pianist, Paul Ferreira, and an equally-talented and versatile performer, Daniel Anderson. I know I was.
Do not miss this opportunity – you will regret it. – Carol King
Tickets R200. Booking is essential through roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket http://events.durbantheatre.com/
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