Life In The Big City
The Market
Theatre Johannesburg presents
The Suitcase
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 16th September
2017
Adapted
and Directed by James Ngcobo from a short story by Es’kia Mphahlele
Featuring
live music composed and written by Hugh Masekela
It has been
5 years since the Market Theatre, based in Johannesburg has been on these shores. The
Suitcase is a production which is vibrant and heart-felt. The addition of
beautiful music from composer Hugh Masekela is the icing on the cake.
Based upon
a true story and set in the 1950s, a young couple leave the safe confines of
their village and head to a big city. Arrival in Durban is a shock to their senses but they
meet Mlotshwa (Molatlhegi Desomnd Dube) who offers a room and some advice. With
a child on the way Timi (Siyabonga Caswell Thwala) is keen to seek work and
help build sound financial foundations for his young family. Timi insists his
wife Namhla (Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni) stays at home and builds the nest.
The tale of
the couple works because there is a recognisable chemistry between the main
protagonists. Add in the humour from the talkative Pitso (Nhlanhla John Lata)
and supportive Mlotshwa and you have an engrossing plot that went down well
with the Northern Stage crowd on opening night.
This show
also featured live music which was written by the popular South African jazz
artist and freedom fighter Hugh Masekela. Guitarist Bhekisisa Sifiso Makhosonke
Khoza is accompanied by 3 singers who fill the venue with sounds that are
sympathetic to the action on stage.
The evenly
paced direction from Sibongeleni James Ngcobo coupled with a show that runs for
90 minutes with no interval ensured we stayed in the grip of the action.
This show
is touring as a result of collaboration between a number of northern theatres
and this has to be welcomed if it is going to bring in high quality productions
such as this. The show is only in town
for a short run but it is worth seeking out.
Review by Stephen Oliver.
Tickets
and performance details:
Fri
15 Sept, 7.30pm
Sat
16 Sept, 2pm & 7.30pm
Tickets
from £10
Tickets
and Information:
0191 230 5151 or online from www.northernstage.co.uk
Then
touring to Derby Theatre (20-23 September), The Dukes, Lancaster
(27-29
September) and Liverpool Playhouse (4-7
October)
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