It is exceptional theatre that you will mostly find in cities like New York and London, where the spirit of independent theatre is celebrated triumphantly. Capetonians have the rare opportunity to taste its sweet nectar, which guarantees to ruffle a few old-school feathers and instil a pride in proudly local theatre.
"Being nothing and becoming something" is the essence of this emotionally involving and socially relevant human drama of a young queer boy, Anna Jones, as he reconstructs his life - from fleeing an abusive home to engaging in prostitution, to becoming entangled in the lives of a married couple.
It's a powerful journey from being an insignificant nobody to noteworthy somebody whose infectious soul inflames a cold and unforgiving world filled with prejudice and unjust hatred.
It's hard core theatre at its most provocative, challenging the intellect with its courageous and bold head-on and no-nonsense approach; revealing the search of identity at its most vulnerable and imperative.
From the moment you enter the Intimate Theatre and find its performance area bathed in a sea of red fabric, and Anna Jones radiantly enshrined, it is clear that you are in for an experience that transcends the normal and challenges the senses compassionately.
Lie is written, designed and directed by Philip Rademeyer, whose words, vision and insight is engaging and skilfully draws you into the essence of the drama. Rademeyer's imaginative style allows the contrast of its introspective journey and external reality to collide head on and delivers an emotional visceral experience.
"Writing/creating the play was originally inspired by a Tennessee Williams one act called "Talk to the rain and let me listen ... ", said Rademeyer. "In my Master's research I dealt with developing a queer aesthetic and a queer character, so Anna Jones was an exploration of a kind of queer character, and s/he seemed to fit in quite well with this idea of two people being stuck."
Stefan Erasmus shines as Anna Jones and delivers an astounding performance as a soulful saviour who finds it hard to express his sexuality, and finds himself through the scorn of his mother and the love of a married man.
Jaco Nothnagel is engaging as the "fallen angel" in a world where "men become corpses" and "people who are not 25 just evaporate and become part of the air". Equally impressive is Danieyella Rodin, who doubles as mother and wife of Anna's lover, and poignantly reflects the different faces of femininity that imprison our tortured martyr.
Lie is potent drama; its poetry and stylised theatricality addresses pertinent issues openly and honestly.
In a world, and in particular South African society or conservative and repressed cultures, where it is sometimes impossible to be true to ourselves and celebrate the uniqueness of our identity, Lie reveals the twisted face of true human nature.
Imprisoned by unspoken love, unnatural perceptions and biased prejudice, Lie tells the truth as it is without shying away from oversensitive discrimination and unfair injustice. There are plays that bury the truth and harsh reality under a cloud of mendacity - Lie strips itself bare and reveals its heart and soul on a platter.
It's good to know that there are plays like Lie and Wessel Pretorius' ingenious Ont, which are unique in their originality and voice relevant truths about ourselves, the society that fosters our fears, parents who abuse or innocence, and lovers who cradle our fears.
And yes, there's the chocolate! As an important reference in the text and reflection of the theme, there is also chocolate used in the play, which will definitely arouse an appetite in chocoholics and its taste will always serve as a reminder of a very striking and special play.
A warning: For those who are sensitive to religious symbolism, unconcealed profanity and find it difficult to deal with important moral issues, the play might be offensive. Liberated souls who embrace the freedom of expression will applaud its honesty, which cuts deep and reveals a well-told and perfectly executed story that needs to be experienced.
Lie is showing at the Intimate Theatre (37 Orange Street, Cape Town), until 3 June at 8pm. For bookings and further information email moc.liamg@evitarepooctsur, call +27 (0)82 307 0491 or follow on Twitter (@RustCoOperative) or Facebook (Rust Co-Operative).
Rating 5/5
Rust Co-operative provides a much-needed play space for young theatre makers, directors, performers and thinkers to collaborate on new theatrical works in Cape Town. "Despite the world being stylised and the narrative not being linear, or despite the fact that the subject matter is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, I hope that audiences will get a sense of humanity from the characters, a sense of understanding for their actions," said Rademeyer. "I also want audiences to think about concepts like gender, sexuality, relationships, marriage - as we often take these things for granted."
Read more at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1746.html
