POET-O-TYPE. Written by Jefferson Tshabalala. Directed by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana. Performed by Billy Langa and Trevor Lynch. Theatre Arts.
MEGAN CHORITZ reviews
There is something about a fresh, tidy, clean and stylish set. It ‘sets’ the tone for the intention of the work. A restaurant. A deliberate space. An articulation of space.
And then the performers do exactly the same with every word, gesture, pause, run on, facial expression and vocal modification. This is a multi-layered, fast paced and perfectly created dance satire elevation relation, packed with meaning and U-turns and word avalanches and cynicism and innocence.
It is a lesson and a break-up, and a generational fight, and idealism takes on experience, and it is all held by poetry, and smashed by poeticism, and it is high brow and clowning and comedy and word rollercoaster and pun and pain and regret and rue.
This piece is as surprising as it is full of aha moments. It is for creatives and about creatives and it is mastery, masterful and quite magnificent.
The words are dancing, sparring, jumping around in my brain. Poet-O-Type is Jefferson Tshabalala’s incredible text, exquisitely directed by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and performed by the insanely good Billy Langa and Trevor Lynch. On at Theatre Arts. This Joburg import must not be missed. Actors, directors, writers, poets, need this. It is a fix. It is a smackdown. It is a flight of pure creativity. It is high art satire and tongue twister.
What: Poet-O-Type
Where and when: Theatre Arts from 13 to 17 August 2025
Tickets: Theatre Arts
WS
