Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Daring, Dashing, Divine DECADENCE at the Square Theatre

If the Naledi judges, during this time of irritating public holidays, managed to see this amazing piece of choreographed comedy I am sure the winners of best actor and actress are already decided. Split-second timing, beautifully coordinated movement and mid-air changes into two alternative characters elevates multiple Fleur du Cap nominee, Scott Sparrow and Fleur Du Cap nominee and winner Emily Child to the firmament of the stars!

This naughty little number is a feast for all the senses…sex, temptation, indulgence, glorious extravagance, desire… and a touch of murder! Performed with no props whatsoever other than a settee, the actors rhyme and mime the night away! My favourite moments in the play is when they light imaginary cigarettes with imaginary lighters – and, I have never laughed as much as I did with the bit about the Fox Hunt with Emily Child astride her horse (Scott) and then again that absurd scene where they stuff their faces with all manner of gourmet delicacies at a London establishment, seated with hobnobs, minor royalty and the Beckhams, slowly getting stuffed and utterly pissed on all the champagne. A must see.

Wow Daphne, how do you do it? You always get it just right! Never a dull moment at your gem of a theatre!

DECADENCE is theatre at its best – a risqué story of love and obsession, written by infamously mischievous British playwright, Steven Berkoff. The play is running at The Old Mutual Theatre on the Square from the until 30th April in association with The Mechanicals theatre company of Cape Town – and directed by acclaimed comedic expert, Christopher Weare. DECADENCE was presented by the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square nearly a decade ago, starring Michael Richard and Fiona Ramsay.

This biting work delivers cruel comment on British society. It traces the sensual exploration of two couples’ hysterical love affairs and unusual fetishes. DECADENCE observes the complex dynamics of man’s relationships not only with the opposite sex, but with food and copious amounts of money. Helen, Steve, Sybil and Les have seemingly nothing in common, except for their apparent inability to resist temptation…

The new production of DECADENCE played to two previous sold out seasons to critical acclaim in Cape Town. In 2010 DECADENCE was the recipient of the 2009 Fleur Du Cap’s People’s Choice Award. DECADENCE is delicious and not to be missed – early bookings are strongly recommended. There are special discounts for group bookings, student groups, senior citizens – and dinner /show packages can be arranged.

The critics have raved:

“Fearless young performers deliver a breathlessly entertaining and edgy production” 48 hours
“…theatre at its most imaginative and expressive, Decadence is compulsory viewing” Daniel Dercksen
“… brilliantly choreographed by director Christopher Weare” Brent Meersman, M&G
“…miss this production at your peril! Marianne Thamm Sunday Times

For further info: Call Daphne Kuhn or Mika Stefano on tel. 011-883-8606

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