The Durban University of Technology Drama Department begins its year with the staging of the iconic Lionel Bart evergreen Oliver!, based on the Charles Dickens classic novel Oliver Twist, at the Courtyard Theatre from March 22 to 28.

Oliver! boasts a host of colourful and eccentric characters: young Oliver Twist, the Artful Dodger, gang leader Fagin, sweet and caring Nancy and evil Bill Sykes.

The story also offers a 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 as 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, 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. Director Dr Pamela Tancsikhas localised the DUT production to 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, street children stealing wallets and cellphones resonates with us today, as much as urchins lifting silk handkerchiefs and pocket-watches did in the 1800s.

Oliver!’s musical director is Madlen Tzankova, while 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 have been sourced or designed by the cast.

For more information, contact Lebohang Sibisi at (031) 373 2194 or e-mail lebohangs@dut.ac.za.

* This edited article appeared in the Weekend Witness eXplore. Pictured from left: Spokazi Poswa (Beth), Nkanyiso Shezi (Oliver), Sandile Magagula (Fagin) and Khethiwe Mzolo (Nancy) in Oliver!