A question that often comes with the staging of an international play is whether it will translate for a local audience. This concern immediately dissipates when one watches Greg Homann’s new play based on a translation of Eugène Ionesco’s “The Lesson” by Donald Watson. Homann is intentional in his positioning of the play. From the onset, his version is localised for a South African audience.
On the surface, The Lesson is witty yet on a deeper level; it is chilling, brutal and tragically complex. With calls to decolonise education in South African universities, The Lesson could not have been staged at a better time. More so now that South African media is also reporting on a series of brutal murders in the country. Therefore, at a conversational level, the play is killing many birds with one stone.
Starring Graham Hopkins, Fiona Ramsay and Lihle Ngubo, it goes without saying that the cast understood the brief, and all showed up for the lesson. The results are simply outstanding. For this reason, it is important that this work reaches more than just the usual theatre goers. Arts students need to engage with this work. If not for the obvious reason that it is a theatre masterpiece, then for the precision in which Homann tells this dark and complex tale. It is apparent that a lot of work and time went into unpacking and understanding the text. Beat by beat, at any given time the actors know exactly where they are and why. Homann’s use of symbolism is unmatched. Absurd yes but none of it is random.
The simple yet effective set allows the audience to focus on how easily “knowledge” can be weaponised. Every prop and lighting change is necessary and service to the story. The effortless switch between realism and surrealism points to Homann’s meticulous direction. His directorial approach is a thing of beauty, a treat to avid theatre scholars.
It is refreshing to see Theatre of the Absurd being showcased at the Market Theatre. If theatre audiences bring an open and receptive mindset, then they are in for a pleasant surprise. Not only is this type of absurdist work exciting, it is necessary in prompting us to reflect on the state of South African educational system.
I have feeling that the audiences’ response to The Lesson will range between two extremes. Those who really love it and those who just do not get it. Whatever the response, there is no denying that the execution of this genre is something fresh and thrilling to grace the Market Theatre stages in a very long time.
If you want to see the type of colonial education that led to radical movements such as #rhodesmustfall and #feesmustfall then you must book your tickets for The Lesson – currently showing at the Market Theatre till the 30th of October 2022.
Director: Greg Homann
Performers: Graham Hopkins, Fiona Ramsay and Lihle Ngubo
Madiba says... 