If the production being staged by Hudson Park High School is anything to go by, the future of theatre in East London is set for an exciting future.
Lady Kennaway Vanishes is an original and authentically South African story that explores various social themes currently shaping our country, using elements reflecting our time.
The production follows the lives of several characters whose lives cross paths on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Quigney: an irritated, white widower who works as a mechanic and drinks too much while raising his two sons, feuding with his “noisy” neighbour and older son’s spoilt girlfriend; a sensitive black Grade 12 pupil who is dealing with his no-good criminal brother, the loss of their parents and taking care of their sickly grandmother.
Written and directed by the school’s drama teacher Pierre Perold, who also stars as the widower, this production is captivating because the characters are given equal amounts of importance and stage time, and especially because of many references to East London, such as the closure of certain streets to cater for the influx of people to the beach during the festive season.
Racism in the play is approached impartially – instead of having a victim and offender, the play seeks to show how racist remarks and actions often stem from ignorance and misconception rather than a malicious personality.
Every member of the audience is bound to relate to at least one of the characters, by the way daily life is mirrored in the play.
The costumes and set are well designed and credible; the play is not overloaded with props, so the focus remains on the characters and their story. The cast members are impressive in their timing and execution.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch Grade 7 Crewe Primary School pupil Nikita Lazarus, who enjoyed the show, said she would definitely return to watch all future Hudson productions.
Wade Baarties in Grade 11 said he knew how much hard work the cast had put into the play and it showed.
“The story in itself is so relevant; it deals with situations and problems that are happening in society right now and even though there is so much humour there are still so many lessons that one takes from this. Well done to the cast and Mr Perold,” he said.
Lady Kennaway Vanishes is on at 7pm in the school hall each night until Saturday, March 29. On Saturday there are two shows, 3pm and at 7pm. Tickets at R30 are available from the school. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Authentic play hits its mark
Lady Kennaway Vanishes is an original and authentically South African story that explores various social themes currently shaping our country, using elements reflecting our time.
The production follows the lives of several characters whose lives cross paths on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Quigney: an irritated, white widower who works as a mechanic and drinks too much while raising his two sons, feuding with his “noisy” neighbour and older son’s spoilt girlfriend; a sensitive black Grade 12 pupil who is dealing with his no-good criminal brother, the loss of their parents and taking care of their sickly grandmother.
Written and directed by the school’s drama teacher Pierre Perold, who also stars as the widower, this production is captivating because the characters are given equal amounts of importance and stage time, and especially because of many references to East London, such as the closure of certain streets to cater for the influx of people to the beach during the festive season.
Racism in the play is approached impartially – instead of having a victim and offender, the play seeks to show how racist remarks and actions often stem from ignorance and misconception rather than a malicious personality.
Every member of the audience is bound to relate to at least one of the characters, by the way daily life is mirrored in the play.
The costumes and set are well designed and credible; the play is not overloaded with props, so the focus remains on the characters and their story. The cast members are impressive in their timing and execution.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch Grade 7 Crewe Primary School pupil Nikita Lazarus, who enjoyed the show, said she would definitely return to watch all future Hudson productions.
Wade Baarties in Grade 11 said he knew how much hard work the cast had put into the play and it showed.
“The story in itself is so relevant; it deals with situations and problems that are happening in society right now and even though there is so much humour there are still so many lessons that one takes from this. Well done to the cast and Mr Perold,” he said.
Lady Kennaway Vanishes is on at 7pm in the school hall each night until Saturday, March 29. On Saturday there are two shows, 3pm and at 7pm. Tickets at R30 are available from the school. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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