King George - A Show That Grips The Short & Curlies

Despite its undeniable beauty, I remember someone once referring to Cape Town as “a sunny place for shady people”. And as much as I love “Ikapha?Elihlumayo” and credit it with some of the best and most formative years of my life, there were times its well-concealed dark underbelly pierced the bubble of my na?ve little world. It can be scary.

Brent Palmer’s play, King George (now on at Theatre on the Square until the 4th of May) captures this shadow aspect of the nation’s most beloved metro brilliantly. It has a persistent, unnerving and unrelenting element of danger throughout.

More than a game of cat and mouse the play unfolds like a cobra and a mongoose entangled in a fight to the death – you just can’t be sure of the outcome. In fact, one of my favorite things about the narrative is the way I had no clue what would happen from moment to moment. It’s deliciously unpredictable, so I won’t go into too much detail to avoid compromising that effect for you, fellow theatre enthusiast.

I would hate to get into an argument with Palmer based on how the characters in his mind can go head-to-head so expertly. ?The dialogue is beyond dope and the strategy, insight and attention to detail that must have informed the crafting of this production exceeds or is on par with any play I’m aware of. It’s particularly compelling if you have a history with Cape Town, like I said. The characters are familiar without being caricatures. They are rich and plausible in their execution, both textually and on stage. Beautifully subtle in a way that effortlessly suspends disbelief. Kudos to the actors, Clyde Berning and Brent Palmer himself, aided by the proficient yet understated direction of Adrian Collins.

I think theatre in SA really is beginning to thrive. It merits our attention and mores than deserves our love. ?

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King George, a new play by Brent Palmer, starring Clyde Berning and Brent Palmer, directed by Adrian Collins on at Theatre on the Square until the 4th of May.

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