Local thespian spreads his wings

DURBAN North resident, Anathi Gobeni, is one if six DUT students to star in a dark adult production, Behind Closed Minds.

The group has recently returned from Grahamstown, where they performed the production at the National Arts Festival.

According to the third year student, the play, which focuses around the life of Dr Victor Duval, a hypnotherapist that abuses his authority and effectively his patients, was challenging.

“The play is not set in modern times, so the language used throughout was very old school. So that definitely took some getting use to,” said the 25-year-old.

Gobeni also admitted that the themes surrounding the play such as injustice, abuse of power and rape has also been difficult to deal with at times.

“You were required to deal with expressing and performing these issues as well as our character’s emotions on stage. It was at times uncomfortable and difficult but I think we all learned a lot and the show brings across a powerful message,” he said.

Despite the discomfort from some of the scenes Gobeni said he enjoyed playing his character.

“I play the villain, Dr Duval’s, angelic conscience the choric seer. I relate a lot to the character as I am also a person who naturally tries to fix things, people and relationships,” he said.

Writer and director, Farrel Drew (24), a fellow DUT third year student, said the show was well received at its first performance in Grahamstown.