moira de swardt

on the Square. It is curious that in a city where the public goes
crazy over other theatrical productions relating to Herman Charles
Bosman that his play is so seldom produced.

The producer, Daphne Kuhn, has a sure eye for good theatre and in
the history of the theatre (seventy something shows now?) there has
not been one that has not been worthwhile. Straight theatre is not
on the menu often. I think it tends to be a little risky
financially. However Ms Kuhn has told me before that she feels she
has a duty to give people they good stuff they need every so often,
as well as the stuff which ensures that she can afford to keep the
place going.

This is a piece of straight theatre in its purest form. Somewhat
dated now it is interesting from a historical perspective,
particularly for Johannesburg audiences. Directed by Nicky Rebelo
and starring Jennifer Steyn, David Butler and Martin Le Maitre the
play is finely crafted. There are no special effects. The direction
has remained absolutely true to what would have been found in the
thirties. I found the whole thing, but particularly the earlier
part of the play almost a little stilted into the thirties mould -
at least what I think the thirties mould must have been. I have
seen both Jennifer Steyn and Martin Le Maitre in other productions
and think that it might have been a deliberate creation of the
director. I am not sure whether this style relaxed towards the end
or whether I grew more comfortable with it. It may well have been
the latter.

People who like straight theatre will love this one. I can't
understand why it's been kept hidden from the general public for so
long.

Moira, the Faerie Godmother