AWARD-winning organisation the Actors Unemployed Company presents a new drama, Faust, which runs at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High School (DHS) until Sunday.
Written and directed by Marc Kay, the production is a modern retelling of the Faust myth. What would drive a man to sell his soul? And what would he do to get it back?
Drawing from the writing of Marlowe and Goethe, Kay creates a new story of temptation and salvation.
The production stars Clinton Small as John Sterling Faust and Sarah Richard as the demon Mephistopheles as they tread a dangerous path to damnation.
Tonight asked Richard about the compelling production and her reasons for wanting a role in it.
“It’s the story of Faust who sells his soul to the devil. It’s about what it would take for you to sell your soul to the devil and if you did sell it, what you would do to get it back,” she says.
Richard says her role is wonderful. “(Mephistopheles) is a strong woman and the fact that she isn’t human makes it an interesting role to play. I figure out how a demon interacts with humans. It’s also written wonderfully. It’s intriguing and I was excited when I read the play for the first time.”
Judging by the storyline, one would think that the play is a heavy piece. I ask Richard if there are light-hearted moments.
“There’s definitely some light-hearted moments. It’s a drama but there’s a lot of comedy thrown in, a lot of dark comedy. It’s playful as well as quite dramatic.
“It was great working with Clinton Small on it. We work well together and have a great energy. I found it a pleasure working with him.”
Richard says she’s been around theatre for as long as she can remember. “The first professional show I did was Aspect of Love, which is a musical. It was the first night I was on stage and it was just an unexplainable feeling. You feel like you’re home and it’s where you’re meant to be.
“The challenge with theatre in our country is that there isn’t enough of it. It’s difficult to make a living from it alone. It’s almost impossible.
“I wish we had more of a theatregoing audience. It would make it a lot easier for everyone if people could go so we could put on more shows.”
• Faust runs at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS until Sunday. Evening shows start at 7.30pm, and Saturday and the Sunday matinee starts at 3pm.Tickets cost R80 (R70 for pensioners, students and block bookings). Book through Ailsa, 083 250 2690. For more information, visit www.actorsunemployed.com