"PLAYLAND" by Athol Fugard

@ ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE HARARE
Dawn Parkinson directs Dominic J. Kanaventi and Adam Neill, two of
Zimbabwe’s most renowned actors, in this gripping two-hander by one of
Africa’s greatest playwrights. This is a Zimbabwean Premier.
WEDS 22nd November to SAT 2nd December

reviewed by sds (name supplied)

On Saturday night I dredged up the energy to go and see "Playland" at
Alliance Francaise, and was delighted to find that a) the dredging was worth
it, and that b) Athol Fugard seems to have developed a more hopeful approach
towards race politics in South Africa.

Dawn Parkinson directed masterfully, I didn't get a programme so I am
not sure of the details, but the set designer also obviously enjoyed
himself - piles of junk littered the small stage (it is set around the back
of an amusement park called Playland) - recognisable was one abandoned
rocking horse from Salome. The two actors, Dominic Kanaventi and Adam Neill,
were both excellent as grumpy night guard and offensive white person
respectively.

There were some quite spine tingling moments, and no lack of amusement
(Number Six!). I did however think that the party/drinking/dancing/music
scene dragged on rather, and that on the whole the play should have been
about 15 minutes shorter (One and a half hours, no interval)... but that
criticism should be forwarded to Athol Fugard, not the group that produced
and performed Playland. I regret the fact I shall not be able to see the
same (or similar) group perform Dario Fo this december as I shall be in
Kaapstad. by sds

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