IF it’s a play by celebrated author and playwright, Ronnie Govender, chances are it’s going to be good. So if this is anything to go by, theatre goers will expect nothing less from the re-staging of his 1980s comedy, Your Own Dog Won’t Bite You which runs at Sibaya’s iZulu Theatre from Thursday to Sunday.
The cast features Rahul Brijnath, Maeshnie Naicker, Jayshree Parasuramen, Warrick Frank and Lyschelle Linderboom.
During our one-on-one, Brijnath tells Tonight what the comedy is about: “All this farce that has been written by Ronnie has either happened to someone out there or to someone we know. It is hilarious, but it is set in the ’80s, so it’s a nostalgic, funny theatre piece written by a man who knows and lived history – Ronnie Govender.”
Of his role in the production, the actor says he plays the transport tycoon, Jimmy Jugmohan, who lives in a Spanish-style house in Reservoir Hills where his office is also based.
“I play the semi-wealthy father of Baboo and husband to Madhu. This is the lead male role. He is a businessman who reduces his overheads by working from home, in his lounge to be specific, and he adores his son and loves his wife, despite her constant nagging.
“Jimmy is not a guy who can be convinced easily and likes facts. For him, seeing is believing. (He’s) suave, gentleman, old-school,” he adds.
Brijnath says the play touches on belief systems and influence: “Being exposed to the realm of witchcraft and being convinced thereof. It also deals with relationships between parents and children, what transpires and perceptions thereof as well as stereotypes in relationships.”
So what was it like working with the great Govender on this production? According to the performer: “An honour indeed. Being the veteran he is in the theatre world, and working with such great actors and actresses in the past, taking his direction and general advice on life is a pleasure and honour. He sees things and looks to bring out certain details that one would not generally see. One can feel his vast knowledge of the arts in his directing. Salute to him.”
It seems Brijnath has a lot on his plate this month. Besides this production, he can also be seen in Pagla Comedy Nite later this month. Commenting on this, he says: “It’s stand-up comedy. It’s my nature to want to make people laugh and having done a few stand-up comedy slots in the past, I was called by a mentor, a friend and a superstar, Mervyn Pillay, to join his line-up. It’s an honour once again to be asked by a man whom I have always respected and have had the pleasure of working with before.”
Back to Your Own Dog Won’t Bite You, Brijnath says audiences can expect a night of laughter and nostalgia.
l The show runs from Thursday to Sunday at Sibaya’s Izulu Theatre. R120 at Computicket.