Imagine young teenage gangs stealing and speaking in Russian-English infused slang called Nadsat.
A scene where indulging in crimes of viciousness and ultra-violence is a norm. Experience all this action in Sir Anthony Burgess’ stage play: A Clockwork Orange. A show for over 16s due to its mature themes is set in a dystopian future. Burgess’ story provides a biting look at hooliganism and social identity in an authoritarian- run state. A Clockwork Orange will be performed by amateur student actors from the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Drama and Production Studies at the Cane Growers Hall, ML Sultan Campus from Friday May 23, 2014 to Friday May 30, 2014.
The production pokes fun at the kind of values that promote masculine behaviour as aggressive and unemotional, and offers social commentary on the youth’s struggle to find themselves in the layers of socialisation embedded with their behaviour.
According to Marcia Peschke, the Director of the production and Junior Lecturer in the Department, the production weaves in hints of physical theatre and gritty imagery to reflect aspects of male rituals in which assertive and hostile behaviour is encouraged. “The design, inspired by the street art of British artist Banksy and abandoned buildings and cities is reminiscent of the ruin and decay of the promise of youth. The music in the play, central to heightening the violence-fuelled misadventures of Alex, includes Beethoven’s ninth symphony,” said Peschke.
Each performance will start at 7pm. Tickets are sold at R35 and can be booked at the departmental receptionist, Busisiwe Mqadi on (031) 373 2532. Alternatively, contact Theatre Manager Mthandazo Mofokeng on (031) 373 2532 (for tickets). You can also visit the Department’s Facebook link (http://on.fb.me/lkojy8h) or search “A Clockwork Orange, Indian Cane Growers’ Hall, ML Sultan Campus, DUT” for updates on the production.
– Noxolo Memela
Pictured: Lungani Mabaso, Kagisho Tsimakwane, Sipho Zakwe and Gabriel Miya from the play: A Clockwork Orange.
