Nataniël’s new show astounds

The artist subverts the conventions of storytelling, by relaying not one, but three different narratives in his latest magnum opus.

He projects his tales of fashion and “freaks” through music, peculiar costumes and his own command of the spoken word.

Though the performance may seem a tinge self-indulgent at times, Nataniël keeps the crowd both flabbergasted and laughing with his undeniable skills as both an artist and a comedian.

With an array of outfits, an on-stage band and a blanket so large, it had to be carried by four people, the show will transport the viewers to a fantasy world, without the use of computer generated imagery.

As always, Nataniël is the producer, director, playwright and singer in this theatrical piece.

He shares the stage with long-time fellow musicians Charl du Plessis (keyboard), Juan Oosthuizen (guitar), Werner Spies (bass) and Hugo Radyn (drums).

He is also joined by singers Nicolaas Swart and Dihan Slabbert.

The show, structured around stories told in both English and Afrikaans, is about visual beauty and tailoring, and features an astounding collection of new costumes by the multi award-winning designer, Floris Louw.

The main storyline follows a tailor and his unique friends, who, being tired of the cyclic intolerance of society, escape to a small village in the country.

Here they make their living producing uniforms for the local work force.

The group puts on a facade during the day and indulges in their true passion for unconventional costumes at night.

Nataniël describes the rag-tag family as five “freaks” , with whom he lives in an ivy-clad house, keeping a tyrannical policeman tied up in the basement, where the group also fashions their own bizarre clothing.

His other two tales take a more humorous approach to attire and the stitching together of it.

It sometimes feels as though the narrator diverges with too many plot lines, but such is art, it can never be tailored to fit everyone’s taste.

Nataniël easily incorporates songs and visual aids to tell his stories.

With a talented band and strict timing, this icon’s brand new stage musical is definitely worth the watch.

The show will continue to run until September 25, in the Theatre of Marcellus.

Shows are held from Wednesdays till Saturdays at 8pm, and on Sundays at 3pm and there is an entry fee.

Tickets are available at Computicket and the Emperors Palace box office.

For more information, visit the Emperors Palace website at www.emperorspalace.com

Also read:

Blood Brothers raise cancer awareness

What’s On

Oppi swallows you whole and spits you out with dust and all

Follow us on these platforms:

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za