Musical ‘Oliver!’ with a Durban twist
'Oliver!' has been localised in a contemporary Durban setting, reminding us that this iconic work of literature is as current and topical now as when it was written.
THE popular musical, ‘Oliver!’, will be staged at DUT from 22 to 28 March. ‘Oliver!’, which is based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, will take place in the DUT Courtyard Theatre.
‘Oliver!’ is a delicious feel-good tale of young Oliver Twist, and a host of colourful and eccentric characters: his co-conspirator, The Artful Dodger; the patriarch of the gang, Fagin; the sweet and caring Nancy; and the evil Bill Sykes. It incorporates hugely significant social commentary, looking at the miserable life of a vulnerable young orphan living in Victorian London – his time in a workhouse, being sold as an undertaker’s assistant, and being part of a gang of young pickpockets before being adopted by his benefactor, Mr Brownlow.
‘Oliver!’ boasts a host of much-loved songs: ‘Food Glorious Food’; ‘Oliver!’, ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two’, ‘As Long as He Needs Me’, ‘I’d Do Anything’ and ‘Omm-Pah-Pah’. It has had a myriad incarnations with West End and Broadway versions, film versions and countless school and amateur renditions.
Director, Dr Pamela Tancsik, has localised it in a contemporary Durban setting, reminding us that this iconic work of literature is as current and topical now as when it was written. Human trafficking, abuse against women and children, poverty, and street children stealing wallets and cell phones resonates with us today as much as urchins lifting silk handkerchiefs and pocket-watches did in the 1800s.
‘Oliver!’ is directed by Dr Pamela Tancsik; musical director is Madlen Tzankova; set design is by Peter Court and construction by Jimmy Alberts and Black Coffee; choreography is by Mdu Mtshali; and musical piano accompaniment is by Richardt Wissink. Costumes and props are sourced or designed by the cast.
After two rounds of open auditions 12 children were chosen to play the orphans and to supplement the DUT students in the cast. There is a cast of 55 performers in total. For more information contact the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi, on 031 3732194 or lebohangs@dut.ac.za.
