The two plays, both one-handers, autobiographical and under an hour each, were chosen out of 12 productions at the festival in March this year. One is a drama and the other a comedy, making them as diverse as they are dynamic.
No strangers to the festival, both actors have been involved with and participated in previous productions at Ikhwezi in the past. Isaacs' musical comedy Dens Wit Me, which she produced, co-wrote and performed in, was last year's winner and later played to sold-out houses at the Suidoosterfees in January.
A Plague of Heroes is a tough-minded, often witty and unsentimental South African parable, written by Durban-born Vusi Mazibuko, directed by Maurice Podbrey, and starring Fleur du Cap-nominated actor Thami Mbongo.
Mbongo is one of the 2008 Brett Goldin Bursary winners. Last year he performed in the highly successful Baxter Theatre Centre and Royal Shakespeare Company's collaboration of The Tempest, which was staged here and transferred to Stratford-upon-Avon, followed by a five-city tour in the UK.
The 31-year-old Mbongo plays Vusi, a paraplegic determined to reform his life and give new meaning to the idea of heroism. His story is told from within the confines of Durban's horse-racing tote call centre as he looks back at his past. He grew up in KwaMashu township and during his school years fell under the spell of the local crime syndicates, aka the "heroes" of the township. Later he moved to Joburg, where he joined this "elite" in a short-lived but intoxicating lifestyle that escalated into indiscriminate and extreme criminal activity. When he was struck by tragedy, Vusi was forced to re-evaluate his life.
In Allie Pad Funny Worcester, writer and actress Shimmy Isaacs combines stand-up comedy and physical theatre as she tells her own life story and introduces the characters that impacted on and shaped it. Directed by Rob van Vuuren from Corné and Twakkie and SA's Got Talent, with additional direction by Lara Foot, the comedy looks at identity as it examines the quirks and cultures of the coloured, black and white people of the Western Cape.
While attending a Model C school in her home town of Worcester, Isaacs was teased for her "whitey" accent. After matriculating, she leaves the Boland at the age of 17 to pursue a career in acting. As a confused young coloured woman she comes into contact with all sorts of cultural dilemmas brought about by her own people and those of other local communities. Through her hilarious comedic performances, which delightfully depict the characters that influenced her, Isaacs tackles real issues and experiences along the way.
A Plague of Heroes and Allie Pad Funny Worcester run from 25 May to 5 June and ticket prices range from R70 to R95. Book at Computicket on +27 (0)83 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted block, corporate or school bookings, charities or fundraisers contact Sharon on +27 (0)21 680 3962 or Carmen on +27(0) 21 680 3993 during office hours.
