The first ever presentation of the prestigious Moira Lister Theatre Award to a Rhodes student will follow three short performances as part of the uHambo Matsuri: Drama Masters Showcase in the Rhodes Main Theatre tomorrow night.
The free theatrical treats are Hanamichi, created by Tristan Jacobs, Impethuko! directed by Themba Mchunu and uSizo, directed by Jess Harrison.
The first ever presentation of the prestigious Moira Lister Theatre Award to a Rhodes student will follow three short performances as part of the uHambo Matsuri: Drama Masters Showcase in the Rhodes Main Theatre tomorrow night.
The free theatrical treats are Hanamichi, created by Tristan Jacobs, Impethuko! directed by Themba Mchunu and uSizo, directed by Jess Harrison.
In visual-theatre piece Hanamichi, Jacobs uses contemporary clowning techniques to explore inspiration, using the text of Ted Hughes’ poem The Thought Fox. For the production The Box Theatre is transformed into a Butai, reinventing the traditional Noh stage and displaying artwork that moves through traditional Japanese print to comic-book manga to augmented reality projection.
Impethuko!, directed by Themba Mchunu, looks at the influences that other cultures and religions have had on Nguni culture and religion, transforming it into what it is today. The character in this one-man piece flounders between multiple cultural identities, until finally we are left celebrating his multiplicity.
uSizo, directed by Jess Harrison, presents a contemporary exploration into the lives of domestic workers in the New South Africa. Combining interviews with women in and around Grahamstown with personal stories from cast members, this devised piece critiques the often complex dynamics between maids and madams – all presented in a heightened, Brechtian style.
In a first for the university, a Rhodes student will receive the prestigious Moira Lister Theatre Award from actor Jeremy Crutchley, whose film roles includes Lord of War, Skin and Retribution. Sacred Elephant is his latest theatrical challenge which sees Crutchley perform with Geoffrey Hyland.
Admission to the performances is free and the programme is as follows:
7pm in the Box Theatre (capacity 150): Tristan Jacobs's Hanamichi
7.40pm at the theatre (site work): Themba Mchunu's Impethuko!
8.20pm in the Main Theatre: Jess Harrison's uSizo
