Well-known Durban drama teacher and arts supporter, Jean Van Elden, visited the recent Hilton Arts Festival and provides her comments on three productions
This quirky piece, directed by Jenine Collocott, features Klara van Wyk as the delightful Maryna who is a carer for her dying employer, Monika.Van Wyk creates an endearing character, interacting easily with her audience as she goes about selling her employers' belongings. She has a knack of constantly getting belly laughs as the underlying sad story unfolds.
The audience is forced to face the reality of death as the
story draws to a close. This gem of a show will make you laugh and make you
shed a tear. I look forward to seeing more work from these intelligent and
talented team.
WORLDS AWAY
The eye-catching
costumes, ethereal lighting and physically demanding acts delight the audience
from start to finish. (Review by Jean van Elden)
Worlds Away is an exhilarating piece that features astonishing aerial acts that are interwoven into a delightful tale of a little star who needs to find his shine. The magical tale is narrated by an enchanting narrator.
The eye-catching costumes, ethereal
lighting and physically demanding acts delight the audience from start to
finish. This is a family friendly story of hope and endurance. What a
wonderful way to spend time at a festival.
BORN NAKED
This brave story
challenges South African society to embrace all of its citizens and inspires
our youngsters to be true to who they are. (Review by Jean van Elden)
Born Naked, directed by Kirsten Harris is a show that tells the tragic story of the murder of a drag queen "Queen Bling". The two characters, Queen Bling (Lethabo Bereng) and Blaq Widow (Sihle Shona) have a chance meeting on a train.
The fun upbeat start to the show quickly changes as the
gritty tale unfolds. The two accomplished artists give slick performances
telling their story of friendship and the importance of finding a sense of
belonging in a chosen family. There is a glaring contrast between the vibrancy
and colour of the drag world and the dark personal realities that the LGBTQIA+
communities have to face. This brave story challenges South African society to
embrace all of its citizens and inspires our youngsters to be true to who they
are. -
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