(Mpilo -Straw-
Nzimande. Pic Val Adamson)
“Fits of laughter filled the theatre” (Review by Patrick Kenny)
The Actor’s Studio’s cool industrial vibe with taped down wiring, “don’t stand here” workshop stickers and minimalist warm pine stage sets the mood immediately. Kudos to Nel van der Merwe and team. Lisa Goldstone’s imaginative lighting and the funky dystopian soundtrack completes it.
Mpilo -Straw- Nzimande takes the stage and owns it. Sparkling eyes that draw you in and a wickedly charming smile that has you following him around the stage in an energetic performance.
His wiry body was built to twist and bend into the Parktown Prawns that terrify much of Joburg but invokes delight from the audience. Fits of laughter filled the theatre. Straw’s accompanying vocal sound effects and multiple characters held the audience’s attention right the way through this demanding performance. Well, demanding for him, but an utter delight for us to watch. A job well done by Movement Coach Kirsty Ndawo.
This is not The Ugly Noo Noo I had seen performed in Grahamstown in the 90’s by the show’s original creator, the legendary Andrew Buckland. This is a refreshed and thoroughly modern version superbly realised by director Peter Mitchell.
On occasion, various characters leave the stage and weave their way through the audience with just enough engagement to make us feel even more part of the story – but not too much that we feel picked on. Although I must mention that the dog Sandy mistook me for an African Violet while peeing on me! The updated and reworked script still keeps the undercover between the lines political commentary flowing quietly.
This is a story about Speciesists and Communalists. Essentially a Noo Noo abducts a human and tries to communicate with him to no avail. A delightful Noo Noo called Molly does battle with the fowl-mouthed Eddie the Assassin Chicken and to learn the rest you need to book yourself a ticket. BTW Eddie does throw a couple of 4letter words around so parents be aware. “Fowl mouthed”, get it?
The show is at DUT’s delightfully intimate boutique Actor’s Studio right next door to the Courtyard Theatre.
There is one more performance - this afternoon (October 16, 2025) at 13h00. - Patrick Kenny
Tickets: R50 (R20 students, scholars & pensioners)
Seating is limited – only 50 seats per performance. Booking is essential: Email Clarec1@dut.ac.za
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