Represent Review: Athol Fugard’s Victory
Thanks to JohnO for his take on Fugard’s latest play at the Market Theatre – he says it’s a must see but not for the faint-hearted! :
Wow ! The only thing saving us from freezing to death after the latest cold spell was the tension and drama on the stage of the Laager theatre at the Market. A packed house of cold feet and wide eyes got to see Athol Fugard’s latest effort Victory. And what an effort it was ! I was initially drawn to the piece because of Cobus Rossouw – one of my acting idols from yesteryear but what I got to experience was nothing short of breathtaking.
The cast consists of Cobus Rossouw whom everyone may remember from the 70’s and 80’s during which he invariably played a villain or strict father in every second movie or television series. Those lucky enough to have seen “Die groen factor”, will realize that you do not get any better Cobus than that. His performance in Victory was good – although after not seeing him for so many years, I immediately noticed that the years have been tallying up.
The rest of the cast was made up of two relative newcomers – Ameera Patel and Wayne van Rooyen. These two stole the show and delivered a performance that can only be described as brilliant and disturbing. Where have these two young actors been hiding? Although the piece tackles a very serious topic – poverty and racism- Fugard still managed to inject some laughs into the evening. The ensemble delivered the laughs and when the tension and absolute terror came, they delivered the goods, pushing the audience to the edge of their seats.
I have never experienced the realism and absolute desolate frustration that Wayne van Rooyen delivered. At times he was foaming at the mouth, literally! There were a few scenes where he slapped Cosbus Rossouw’s character around which was positively shocking leaving the whole audience gasping for air.
To get back to the technical side – the direction was excellent. The set was simple but suited the piece perfectly. The lighting and music were done brilliantly, communicating the mood – not leaving you confused as to what’s going on.
To close – this play is not for the faint hearted. I went into it expecting the usual black vs. white story – which it is not. The piece starts of with a bang, introducing the characters, changes into what your mind can only fathom as a tragedy and then ends on a sad and very disturbing note. No fluffy animals and sing along songs here – only strong performances and strong material. You cannot help but leave the theatre with more than you came.
Watch this – it’s one of Fugard’s best to date !
Market Theatre – Laager Theatre
23 May – 1 July 2007
Celebrated South African writer Athol Fugard continues his love affair with the Karoo in his latest play, Victory, starting soon at the Market Theatre.
In Victory he examines the realities of a world robbed of hope, existing at the mercy of senseless violence and drug abuse. In this dark and insightful drama, three characters investigate the unfulfilled promises laid down by the wealthy and white, and the subsequent desperation and disappointment experienced by South Africa’s youth.
The Baxter Theatre Centre’s resident director, Lara Foot Newton, directs this evocative tale of profound honesty and realism with a cast of three led by veteran actor Cobus Rossouw, together with Ameera Patel and Wayne van Rooyen. Award-winners Jaco Bouwer is responsible for design and Mannie Manim for lighting.
