A semi-fictional account of a Mpumalanga farm invasion is the driving force behind the hard-hitting production Through the Guts of a Beggar performed by drama students from the University of Natal Pietermaritzburg at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
The audience at the play’s opening performance was enthralled by the rich scenes, evocative music and compelling acting.
Directors Candice and Jason Searles said the play used comedy to drive an “powerful, important message”. “We wanted to do something honest,” says Candice.
Political issues in the form of land redistribution (hitting a raw nerve with the present state of affairs in Zimbabwe) and the war in Iraq are incisively dealt with.
But most profoundly, it deals with truth in today’s society. “In a time when we have more and more facts, we seem to have less truth. We have news on every side, but have no idea about who is right,” says Jason Searles.
Candice said the play was a “parody of investigative journalism, which is meant to expose the underbelly of reality, but mostly fails to do so.”
Through the Guts of a Beggar‘s characters deliver satirical comments on how society tends to ignore minority groups.
The play makes use of an inventive minimalist set and innovative use of actor’s bodies to create movement, sound and environment. Three of the four actors change smoothly from one vibrant character to another to play six different roles, yet still manage to keep the central character unchanged.
It is a theatrically compelling piece of work and carries a kaleidoscope of messages with comments on the effects of colonialism, commercialisation, racism and justice. — ECN Cuewire