ALL MY EX-LOVERS ARE DEAD. Written and directed by Dara Beth. Performed by Qondiswa James. At The Masambe Theatre, Baxter Complex, Cape Town. Until 14 December 2024. MEGAN CHORITZ reviews.
It is sweetly ironic that this small, whimsical play feels like an E.E. Cummings poem, because E.E. Cummings is mentioned in the play. I like when those moments of shivery little confluences happen.
This one woman show that Dara Beth claims is mostly autobiographical, is a lament, a nostalgic unpacking, a memory diary, and a contemporary exploration of how we choose love, try to execute it and get it both right and wrong. It is a self-reflection, sometimes painful, sometimes embarrassing, but mostly deeply familiar for anyone who has had a few relationships of more than one size and shape.
Mercurial, versatile performer
Although the text is light on plot, Dara Beth’s words and direction give Qondiswa James the perfect canvas to showcase what a most mesmerising, mercurial, versatile, and charming performer she is. Every moment on stage, in this heightened but immensely natural, almost supernatural performance is nuanced, focused and executed with both ease and precision.
Qondiswa is an absolute joy to watch, and I have never seen her like this before. I thought of Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I thought of Michaela Cole. She is like them.
I must also mention the simple but super effective set and tech, video running on the fluffy fabric covering the couch, as well as the amazing music soundscape by Denise Onen.
This is an incredibly short run, but if you have a moment this week, go, it is a small E.E. Cummings poem of a performance that is very satisfying.
Age Restriction: No Under 14s.
Ticket Price: R120 – R150. Book here.
Duration: 60 mins (No Interval).
What: all my ex-lovers are dead
Where: Masambe Theatre, Baxter, Cape Town
When: Until 14 December 2024
WS
