Acclaimed director Russell Labey, well known for his script editing on Gus van Sant's film Milk, starring Sean Penn, is in the Mother City to direct New Boy, a play he adapted from the novel by William Sutcliffe. He has recreated his original UK production with an all-South African cast starring Nicole Franco as Margaret, Clive Gilson as Mark, Dylan Edy as Dan and Stephen Jubber as the new boy Barry. Like his fellow cast members, Jubber is a multi-talented artist who has performed in a number of productions that includes Dalliances, both in Cape Town and at the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, The Merchant of Venice at Maynardville, In Briefs at on Broadway and Artscape and, most recently, in High School Musical at Artscape, the Teatro Montecasino and in Shanghai. Jubber is also a professional dancer and choreographer and a qualified hip-hop dance teacher.
New Boy tells the story of Mark, a 17-year-old adolescent who is anxious to get his sex life jump-started. When the very attractive "new boy" Barry begins classes at Mark's all-boys school, the two become fast friends. This new relationship allows Mark the opportunity to experience his hormonal aspirations vicariously through Barry's exploits. Barry, meanwhile, has no problem seducing members of the opposite sex. Be it the students of the neighbouring girl's school, or members of the faculty, Barry's sexual ventures run fast and furious. Through it all, the two boys develop a very close bond that could ultimately change the course of their lives.
New Boy previews from Tuesday, 20 October 2009 and runs till 15 November 2009. Lighting is by Jane Gosnell and the set has been designed by Leopold Senekal. Performances are from Mondays to Fridays at 8pm with a matinee show at 5pm on Saturdays. Tickets range from R95 to R130 via Computicket and Mondays are “buy one get one free” nights via +27 (0) 21 422 5522. Please note that the show has a PG 16 rating for nudity and language.
