"THE CHILLI BOY" ROMPS BACK TO JOZI

"The Chilli Boy" – one of the most successful shows in South African history – is back in Johannesburg. Geraldine Naidoo’s surreal and groundbreaking play has come a long way since it premiered nine years ago at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This theatrical phenomenon has kept South African audiences flocking to theatres over the past few years and also had a successful run as one of the shows selected as part of the "West End Festival of Performance" in London in 2007.

"The Chilli Boy" is the hilarious portrayal of an old Indian woman reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg. At the age of 30, the gangster starts suffering flashbacks from his previous life as an Indian woman. These visions prompt him to don a sari while cooking delicious Indian curries and biryanis. He no longer wants to brawl his way around the streets of Boksburg as his newly discovered maternal instincts start to determine his behaviour. His tough reputation is threatened by the resultant turmoil.

Naidoo has created a play that tackles issues of cultural identity, racial difference and masculinity in an extraordinary and highly entertaining way.

“The play continues to attract huge audiences from across the vast racial and cultural spectrum that constitutes contemporary South African society,” Naidoo said.

While Naidoo's conception, writing and direction have been lauded as brilliant, it is the masterful performance of multi-award winning actor Matthew Ribnick that has had audiences gasping for breath.

“Many audience members describe Ribnick as a “cultural chameleon”. In just over an hour, he skilfully snaps back and forth between characters ranging from the ordinary to the bizarre,” Naidoo said.

Bouts of raucous laughter are punctuated with poignant moments of absolute sincerity as the audience comes to grips with a remarkable story told by a “madman” with a few hats.

"The Chilli Boy" is on at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from October 5 until November 6.

Shows run weekly at 20:00 from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with a 15:00 matinee on Sundays. Ticket prices are R130 for all shows. Group discounts are available by contacting the Joburg Theatre on 011 877 6854. The show is not suitable for persons under the age of 12.

Bookings can be made through www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre’s ticketing call centre 0861 670 670.



Media Queires:
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
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christabel@buz.co.za

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