Sometimes in our quest
to reimagine and create new worlds through live performance, we forget what joy
may be found in the classical masterpieces. Review by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy
Arias and Ascension
The Bible schooled us in the birth of Jesus and there have been numerous musicals scripted about it but by far, Handel's Messiah is one that stands out as a classic choral masterpiece. This Easter, the Playhouse Company proudly presented this classical rendering of this story. Directed by Ralph Lawson, conducted by Jeremy Silver and featuring the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, with soaring vocals from Khayakazi Madlala (soprano), Bongiwe Nakani (mezzo-soprano), Bongani Tembe (tenor), and Bongani Khubeka (baritone) and the Halleluja chorus.
Handel's Messiah has a profound reach, drawing both young and old to the theatre and today was no different. Directed by Lawson, who I am privileged to have been directed by in The Sound of Music and To House. He showcases his diverse directorial vision through his visual aesthetic on stage and the selection of projections. I would have liked to see a little more crispness in the movement within the choir but that is my personal preference.
As a student in theatre, I was fortunate to dance to selections of this musical wonder and upon hearing the opening chords I was whisked on a nostalgic journey to those days of studying drama. Music has a remarkable habit of transporting us to moments in our own history. It is the gift of music that I most appreciated today as I relished in the singing on stage and melodies echoing from the Orchestra.
The costumes were vibrant and sleek and was the perfect balance between old, three kings from the manger look and modern African head dresses. The costumes complement the space as there is a lack of set pieces but rather the colourful aesthetic of the costumes and the operatic tones that fill the space.
I always soak up any opportunity to bask in the melodious sounds of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and they do not fail to deliver quality, collaborative sounds from well-mastered instruments. This accompanied by the powerful vocals from the operatic voices created a fine tuned, magical experience. Sometimes in our quest to reimagine and create new worlds through live performance, we forget what joy may be found in the classical masterpieces. I was certainly humble by this strikingly beautiful tribute and the perfect way to spend Easter Sunday. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy
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