Gupta-inspired play sees Naidu take aim at media

Published Jan 28, 2014

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COMEDIC writer Aldrin Naidu is ready to stage the third in his theme of political comedies, following popular shows like Undecided Voter (1994), and Mooidevi’s Muti (1999).

Promising as much provocative comedy is X se! You Ain’t Seen Nuthin Yet which is set to stage this weekend at iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino.

Naidu said his newest work represents “a call to stop whingeing and start voting”.

“It’s a fun play. Like my Babalaas and Mandrax Muniama… but it’s serious. We want audiences to look at the media’s role in possibly making us puppets,” he explains.

Naidu said there’s a sitcom within the play called Pacha Chutney, set against the political circus. According to the pro- duction brief, Nani Maharaj, first cousin of Mac twice removed, tries to convince her family to vote for Zuma.

Son-in-law George Naidoo, a Tamil of Zanzibar origin, smells fear and crime, and awaits a Democratic Alliance/Minority Front rescue plan. He attempts to convince his family to bat for a new team – Australia.

Son Raj takes the family on a political journey to Zumaville, Guptagate, Malema drama, Zille’s Thriller and Vavi-voom.

His wayward girlfriend Savera gets in the way. Media rags and political interest are hung out to dry in a song, dance, drama-drenched play.

“This will be done in a Bollywood/Hollywood musical style, meaning we can dance, act and lip synch,” said Naidu, adding that Zuma and his boss, Atul Gupta (Naidu works at The New Age when not media consulting), were his inspirations for the play.

“I find it wonderful how the media spends time Zuma bashing and bashing black and Indian businessmen while white- collared crooks, especially in the construction sector, get slapped on the wrists for collusion rather than prison sentences for corruption.”

Naidu said he’d like to inspire people to think beyond what “crappy newspaper stories, media bosses and the spin of the new tender-elite in govern- ment circles” put to them.

Directed by Sershen Naidoo with choreography by Ishara Desai, the show runs on Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sundayat 3pm.

 

•  Tickets available at Sibaya Box Office: 031 568 2979, or Computicket. Prices range from R100 to R150. To stage the show for charity, call 083 605 9786.

 

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Tonight has five double tickets to X se! You Ain’t Seen Nuthin’ Yet to give way. To enter, sms X Se! and your name to 33963 before 9am tomorrow. Smses charged at R1.50. Winners will be notified telephonically.

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