SAME DIFFERENCES
DIRECTOR: Angela Harvey
CHOREOGRAPHER: Mdu Mtshali
CAST: A cast of 20
UNTIL: Thursday
RATING: ***
SAME Differences, a dance musical, opened at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Courtyard Theatre at the weekend, bringing with it a freshness in terms of creativity and talent.
Conceived, written and directed by Angela Harvey, it cleverly uses dance, colour and original provocative music (by Harvey) to weave together an engaging tale about difference.
Using two tribes – the yellow and the red tribes of the outer lands – as her base, Harvey has penned a fantastical tale about differences and similarities in culture and society, even when each respective sector may not immediately be able to see any “sameness”.
As the adults from the yellow tribe (defined by their colour, balletic dance and artistic nature) and the red tribe (defined by their colour, way of life and dance style) battle to find common ground, a new era is about to dawn.
Two youths, one from each tribe, in all their innocence, not only see their differences but also embrace friendship within that. They run away together, which sparks a mass search for them by their tribes. Will they do more harm than good, or prove the adults wrong?
Aggravating the tensions between the tribes is a disease that threatens both. Unbeknown to them, there is a third force at play, and one that seems to be causing havoc in other worlds, not just theirs.
Will the truth be revealed and reason come to light?
Using these fictional worlds and nations, Harvey’s writing highlights ongoing issues in society today. One being the constant struggle to work through and accept differences in society, racial or cultural. The other being how people on the lower end of the food chain continue to be manipulated by bigger powers, whether pharmaceutical or corporate, for their own gain.
The choreography beautifully complements the tribes – balletic style for the yellow tribe and more tribal dance for the red, both infused with contemporary movement.
The themes explored – from difference and similarity in culture to political and social privilege through abuse of power to deception by industry to obtain and hold power over the masses – are provocative, befitting of such a young production.
Considering they had so much to juggle in this production, the cast of students deserve kudos for balancing all the elements in their performance. There are a few gems who deserve a special mention. Red queen (Zola Cele) has an amazing voice. Her performance and dancing were passionate and beautiful to watch. An outstanding performer.
Gabriel Miya is perfectly cast in his mischievous roles and keeps the audiences well entertained.
Anathi Gobeni as the snobbish and determined Yellow Man gets all the mannerism of his character on point.
A production based on refreshing thinking, delivered by fresh, young talent. Definitely one to check out during its brief run.
• R40. To book call 031 373 2194 or e-mail [email protected].