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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Elephant
Verdict: Great African story telling
9-14 Aug at 21.30 (1:15), 16-28 Aug at 14.45 (1:15)
A black man (Zamuxolo Mgoduka), wrapped in white, enters ghostlike, a powerful African dancer. A white woman (Emma Dunn), dressed in white, seems ready to dance classical Western ballet - but mirrors his movement.
They drop a white cloth to reveal a baby elephant (Sarah Riley). It's the preamble to a 'story about Africa, an elephant and two boys with a common destiny that flies away to heaven'.
Harmonised a cappella African singing introduces Chief Zanenvula (Monde Wani). He has just died, is on his way, and pleased at the prospect. The song welcoming him to heaven raises his hopes. But he is rejected at heaven's gate.
The Devil (Patrick O Connor) promises Chief Zanenvula women and music - anything he wants - if he'll take a few steps down with him. The chief is unsure, and asks his ancestors how to enter heaven. He has to go back to the start.
The Devil gives the Chief a bowler hat - cueing the song 'You'll Never Get To Heaven In A Bowler Hat'. 'The Pink Men's Army' gives him a rifle. He shoots elephant. He misses the point, but receives a real second chance.
He sees himself as a child (Thabang Ramaila), playing in the river with his brother (Zamuxolo Mgoduka). A baby elephant frightens them. The Devil tells the young chief he wants it dead - observed by the old chief.
A big elephant (Lebo Mokomele) appears, godlike. The young Chief - in spite of wanting to be a real man and kill - pets the baby elephant. Will angel or devil control the Chief's destiny?
Elephant has a strong story. It joins British and African approaches to theatre - potentially a great marriage. Sometimes the pace is too fast or slow. The dancing, singing and original music (from a 6-piece live band) are faultless. Body-puppets used for the elephants are superb. It's an entertaining show for all ages which explores profound universal themes.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Patrick O Connor - Devil. Emma Dunn - Angel. Zamuxolo Mgoduka - Young Monde's Brother. Lebo Mokomele - Big Elephant and various roles. Thabang Ramaila - Young Monde. Sarah Riley - Baby Elephant and various roles. Monde Wani - Chief Zanenvula. Sangomas (healers) (alpha order) - Nontuthuzelo Kebe, Nosikhunbuzo Nkewana, Unathi Nondumo. Musicians: Simon Tarrant - Musical Director. Victoria Conlan, Keith Hays, Peadar Long, Brendan Murphy, Pedro Espi Sanchez. Instruments include percussion, xylophones, accordion and saxophone.
Company Credits: Director - Ozzie Riley. Technical Operators - Matt Case (9-10 Aug 05 only), Adam Riley & Venue Staff. Company - Dodgy Clutch.
END
(c) Peter Andrews 2005
reviewed 10 August 05 / George Square Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
