Fiona Gordon: Sivuyile Ngesi – meaning ‘We are happy, to be English’ – explores life as a ‘coconut’ in his comedy show ‘Dekaf’.
There is general discussion, around names and accents; black people and their love for chicken, and fear of dogs, and of course, Julius Malema… He delves into a portrayal of different races at the beach – their behaviour, and most significantly, their swimming attire. And the different rules of engagement which apply when different races play the same sport, apply Zambuck, and approach cellphone usage. And popular opinion when people of different races lose weight.
He also tells of his own life – of matriculating at Pinelands High, being a black lifeguard, and his opinions of Affirmative Action policies – specifically when it comes to the new generation of ‘waitresses in the sky’.
Siv manages to engage the audience for the duration of the hour-long show, and does so in a way that people of all races can relate to (it seems) and find entertaining. Making use of his ability to generate his own sound effects, he appears extremely comfortable on the stage – most of the time; and although he presents very few new ideas, and attention could be paid to smoother transitions between them, he makes some poignant comments on societal issues… and he gets the laughs.
Dekaf is directed by David Newton, and plays at On Broadway, Shortmarket Street, Cape Town every Sunday and Monday evening for the month of May. Tickets are R65 and the show starts at 8.30pm. Dinner is served from 6.30pm. Book on 021 424 1194.
Fiona Gordon
fiona@artslink.co.za
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