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Some very exciting productions on the circuit at the moment. I’ll pull rank here and talk about my own special favourite which is a production I directed which is currently running at Catalina Theatre at Wilson’s Wharf that’s called Spice ‘n Stuff.
Written by Ashwin Singh, it opened last week and both audiences and critics have been unanimous in their approval, hailing it as a very important play in South African theatre history.
This might make it sound terribly academic and soul-searching but it’s none of that. It’s a heart-warming story about a widow who runs a spice shop in Grey Street. Things aren’t going too well – the crime in the area, loss of customers, the influx of Pakistani cellphone shops and Chinese gift stores. Added to these worries, a secret that
she’s been hiding from her beloved son for many years finally threatens to emerge.
But – as always - in the midst of trouble, there is always humour. That’s life, that’s how we survive what the universe throws at us. And Spice ‘n Stuff offers lots to laugh about. Ashwin Singh is equally at home with comedy and tragedy … after all, these are the two masks that make up the emblem of theatre!
Playing a woman nearly twice her age, Shika Budhoo puts in an impressive and mature performance as the widow. Her son is played by Ashwin Singh himself and Pranesh Maharaj is her bitter and vengeful nephew. Ashwin and Pranesh also play other roles that represent the hilarious and vibrant tapestry that is made up of Grey Street characters. Accomplished comedy actress Upasana Beharee provides further scenes of humour supported by Shireen van der Wath, Sifiso Simamane and Rubeshan Perumal.
As I said last week, Ashwin Singh is developing as one of our most exciting playwrights. He’s highly articulate and not afraid to pull his punches … but at the
same time, he has the capacity to create some beautifully poignant scenes. Spice ‘n Stuff runs for another week at Catalina and it’s well worth a visit – although I say so myself! You can book through Catalina on 031 305 6889 or go online to Strictlytickets@webmail.co.za
From an exciting new South African play to an equally exciting - but long-established one - The Road to Mecca. This is running at the new Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS and its hats off to KickstArt theatre company for taking on the challenge of tackling what is arguably Athol Fugard’s most well-known play about the late Helen Martin. Steven Stead’s direction is evident in the quality of performance he has pulled from his three cast members. I believe it is their best to date.
Alison Cassels is beautifully frail but still spunky as the ageing Miss Helen. Clare Mortimer gives an intelligent and sincere interpretation of Miss Helen’s young friend Elsa and Thomie
Holtzhausen deftly handles the silky manipulation of the old lady’s confused state.
Seabrooke’s is a perfect venue for Greg King’s excellent set which features Wendy Henstock’s reproductions of many of the extraordinary statues that adorn The Owl House. These have drawn a variety of responses from those who have visited this extraordinary home – now a museum - in the tiny Karoo town of New Bethesda
MAY 30, 2007
DURBAN AFTER DARK
Wednesdays just after 8pm Health, travel, life trends and music
Monica Fairall: 031 362 5179 or 083 456 8544
Studio: 031 362 5308/Fax: 031 362 5140/Keith van Wyk: 082 791 7564
