TROUBLE IN MIND. Director: Mdu Kweyama. Cast: Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Antony Coleman, Royston Stoffels, Nicky Rebelo, Adrian Collins, Daniel Newton, Lyle October, Awethu Hleli /Tamzin Williams and Alyssa van Reenen. Baxter Flipside
BEVERLEY BROMMERT reviews
Honest, wise and witty, this satirical drama from the pen of Alice Childress more than meets two major desiderata of great theatre: to entertain and to enlighten.
This 2024 production of a play written in 1955 retains all the vitality, freshness and – unfortunately – all the relevance of the original. Seven decades on, the racism and callous materialism at the core of its action are still all too recognisable, and not only in the Deep South of America.
On the other hand, so too is the irrespressible imperative to fight it and, like the chief protagonist of Trouble in Mind, manage to assert the human spirit in the face of oppression.
Skilled direction by Mdu Kweyama elicits intelligent and committed performances from the cast of nine, who represent a satisfying diversity of age and racial identity; Leopold Senekal’s artful set and Leigh Bishop’s precisely tailored costumes, faithful to the period depicted, further enhance the merit of this classic work.
Sensitive, insightful
The versatile grande dame of South African theatre, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, excels in the lead role of Wiletta Mayer. This feisty woman is portrayed navigating the challenges faced by black women aspiring to a meaningful acting career in a white-dominated industry seventy years ago, and she does so doggedly, with wry humour and gritty realism. Totally credible, and very sympathetic.
Among the secondary characters, Daniel Newton stands out for his impersonation of the witless and unprepossessing Eddie Fenton, the production assistant to Al Manners (ironically named, since he has none), impeccably interpreted by Antony Coleman. The latter makes his persona deeply antipathetic without resorting to caricature.
Other pleasing cameo performances are offered by veterans Nicky Rebelo as Henry, the long-suffering dogsbody whose only genuine relationship is with Wiletta, and Royston Stoffels (Sheldon Forrester), gently representing the older generation involved in this play-within-a-play.
Childress would no doubt have approved of this sensitive, insightful enactment of her masterpiece by a diverse cast under a black director. Bravi to all concerned.
What: Trouble in Mind
Where and when: Baxter Theatre until 1 June 2024
Tickets: Webtickets
WS
