THE high-energy theatrical romp through the history of Durban, De Compleat Histry of Dbn (without the boring bits), is being staged by UKZN drama and performance studies students under the direction of Themi Venturas, and comes to The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN campus for a short season from Wednesday, 30 September until Saturday, 3 October at 7pm, with matinée shows on the last Saturday and Sunday, 4 October at 2pm.
This tongue-in-cheek history of Durban is based on the storytelling and comic techniques of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, inspired by the style of The Compleat Wrks of Wlm Shkspr (Abridged). While the historical (or should we say ‘hysterical’) facts are all correct, the ‘story behind the story’ is wildly imaginative.
The set includes a cartoon timeline designed by Iain ‘Ewok’ Robinson, and a series of very interesting photographs of early Durban projected onto a big central screen.
The production has been created to set out to celebrate the unique history (without the boring bits) of the town ‘discovered’ on Christmas Day by Vasco de Gama who, apparently, was on a voyage to get away from his nagging wife and a persistent taxman. The potted history seeks to tell the stories behind the historical facts, peppered with occasional ditties, parodies and traditional songs from the city’s earliest history until today.
The production has been staged in various incarnations before to critical acclaim. This version features a cast of 15 UKZN drama and performance studies students.
The standard ticket price is R60, with students, scholars and pensioners paying R30 on presentation of relevant ID. Advance booking is through Computicket outlets on 0861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com.
