Review: Metamorphoses at UJ
Thanks to Heather for her review of Metamorphoses:
A valiant effort on a great script. Firstly I must say that this is a great concept – students from disciplines other than drama, following a passion for theatre and putting together a refreshing production. (Although there was a certain amount of poignancy – an Accounting Student taking the role of Midas!)
Once that is understood, it overloo…
ks most flaws. The biggest flaw, which detracted from the story for me, was the big splash pool in the middle of the stage.
I understand that this seems to be an element that travels with the play and is meant almost be a character within itself. However, it felt too big for the UJ Art’s Centre Stage, limiting the actor’s movement around it and in some cases impeding it – one poor fellow kept slipping in the spilt water. The rest of the set design was pleasing to the eye and though it was somewhat dark, it did highlight the use of the sky platform very well.
The costume design was slightly jarring with anachronistic jumps between slinky nightdresses and Gladiator outfits. I would have liked to have seen a more interesting theme in these. No doubt though, the G-string worn so well by Jac Grobbler as Eros will be very popular!
Some promising performances were revealed, most notably Motlatji Ditodi, Lesego Motaung, Beverley Mokoena and Danya Chait. Though members of the cast take on various roles, the challenging myth of Myrrha and Cinyras was particularly well played. (Lesego and Beverley). There was no mistaking the passion of the company in the other performers and I’m sure as the play goes on, the performances will become slicker and more polished. A great effort by Alby Michaels in the direction of this play – it must have been quite a challenge directing students in such an ambitious script, but how delightful that they were allowed to have fun with it and to cut their teeth on something so refreshing.
If you love Mythology, I encourage you to watch these well put-together vignettes, from the tale of Midas through the love of Orpheus and Eurydice to the tragedy of Phaeton.
It is a wonderful script, and though, not all stories end happily, they do remind us, as Mary Zimmerman the writer and original director of Metamophoses wrote:
“Good Stories never die. They have so much to teach us”
Metamorphoses was performed from the 3 – 12 August at UJ Arts Centre
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UJ Arts Center brings you METAMORPHOSES, Directed by Alby Michaels, Written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman, Based on the Myths of Ovid.
The 411: Love has the power to transform. This is the central theme of the 10 myths in Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Even if you know nothing about ancient Greek and Roman mythology, it is a theme so universal that anybody can relate to it and even though these myths are thousands of years old, the lessons are still relevant today. As Zimmerman herself says of the myths, “Good stories never die. They have much to teach us.”
The enactment of the 10 myths is staged around a large pool of water, as water is a symbol of change in many cultures. Zimmerman explores the values of love, greed, envy and regret, reflecting our own human behaviour in that of the ancient gods’, who learn and change because of their experiences. They have their watershed moment on stage and perhaps the audience will share the experience.
Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses has been described as “Enchanting”, “Witty”, “Magical”, “Innovative”, “Romantic” and “Sexy”.
“Metamorphoses is the most unusual, innovative piece of theatre, and it’s the best.”
-The New York Observer
“Zimmerman’s lovely work shows that theatre can provide not just escape but sometimes a glimpse of the divine. Metamorphoses is the theatre event of the year.”
-Time Magazine
Alby Micheals directs the UJ Drama Company in this visually stunning play. Michaels has been in the industry since 1998 as a performer and is currently the lead character, Luke Taylor in One Way, on SABC 3. He has directed various stage and television productions since 2001.
Date: 3 – 12 August 2006
Time: 19:30
Venue: UJ Arts Centre
Damage: Tickets cost only R40 for adults and R15 for students
Adult block bookings of ten or more cost only R30.
For more information contact Ehllený Bekker on 011 489 3058 or ecb@rau.ac.za.
Bookings at Computicket.
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2005
It’s a modern take on an ancient story supported by talented musicians from UJ.
The University of Johannesburg Arts Academy presents “Vitamin R”, a Modern Miracle Play with Music and Movement by Rocco de Villiers.
In English, French, Italian and Zulu, Vitamin R tells the life story of Saint Rocco (c. 1295 – 1378), Patron Saint of plague victims alongside the reality of the pandemic currently in South Africa.
Vitamin R looks at stigma, judgment, self-hatred, love and survival in times of plague – driven by a state of mind, not in pill form and not controlled by a medical aid.
Dancers: The Dance Co@UJ
Soprano: Hanlie Stapela
Mezzo Soprano: Nomthandazo Mkize
Baritone: Jean du Plessis
Guitars: CH2 (Christiaan Hattingh and Corneille Hutten-Burger)
Accordion: Sergio Zampolli
Cello: Kutlwano Masote
Piano: Rocco de Villiers
Wine, Books, CD’s and T-shirts will be available at the door.
When: 28 – 30 July 2005
Time: 20h00
Where: Wits Theatre, Braamfontein.
Booking through Computicket.
Tickets will cost R50, with concession prices for senior citizens, students and block bookings of 10 and more at R40 per ticket. For more information call the 011 489-3058
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