Long Street Nights lives up to its claim of being ‘raw, dangerous and alive’. Actually workshopped by hanging out on Long Street from 9pm to 2am over two weeks, the six talented actors under the direction of Nicky Rebelo have come up with a rivetting slice of life theatre that is sharp, hilarious, astute and discomforting.
‘Street smart’ might just sum up the look and feel that adds up to a remarkable theatrical experience!
All credit to Baxter Theatre CEO Lara Foot, who asked Rebelo to workshop and direct a play in the style of the late great Barney Simon, and set it in Long Street.
It is hard to believe that the the stage is only inhabited by 6 actors. There is a sense of a large crowd as they weave through the piece revealing and concealing their complex identities. Spontaneous rounds of applause and even interactive interjections on opening night reflected the audiences’ amazed response to really bravuro performances that flirted with cliche and won all the way. There was a palpabale sense of reality that was both hilarious but also uncomfortably raw and brutal. Political correctness is not the order of the day on this notorious night life strip.
The cast were all totally convincing and the standing ovation was totally deserved. The six talented actors are Thami Mbongo, Thandi Doni, Riana Alfreds, Daneel van der Walt, Natasha Dryden and Antonio Fisher.
Directed by Micky Rebelo, with the script workshopped by Rebelo and cast.
Set Design by Patrick Curtis and Sound Design by James Webb
Venue: Baxter Theatre Centre
Dates: until 1 June
Tickets: Computicket
BAXTER MONDAYS: Have a light meal in the Baxter restaurant and see a performance of Long Street Nights for only R100
