Investigating the dancing of the death drill
Fourways actor Jose Domingos steps into the spotlight as the enigmatic Investigator in the stage adaptation of Fred Khumalo’s novel, Dancing the Death Drill, a role built from scratch to keep audiences guessing at every turn.
Mystery lovers, this one’s for you. From Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to the modern thrill of CSI, there’s something irresistible about the thrill of solving a puzzle that South African actor, Jose Domingos, from Fourways, loves.
That is the reason why stepping into the role of the Investigator in Dancing the Death Drill was the kind of opportunity that made him say, ‘Yes, please’, with no doubt.
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Domingos is part of the talented cast of the stage adaptation of Fred Khumalo’s award-winning novel, which opens on September 9 and runs to September 28 at Joburg Theatre.
“I’ve always loved mysteries and detective stories,” Domingos said. “Being at the centre of unravelling a story in front of an audience is incredibly exciting.”
In this production, his character does more than ask questions, he drops subtle bread crumbs for the audience, leading them through the twists and turns of the play.
“It’s like we’re taking the audience along on the ride, giving them little clues and letting them piece the story together.”
He said what makes the Investigator particularly fun is that he was created specifically for the stage. Unlike other characters adapted from the novel, this role was a blank canvas for Domingos. “We built him from scratch.”
The result? A seasoned, meticulous investigator who often asks questions he already knows the answers to, provoking reactions and uncovering hidden truths. “Personally, I’m not that dogged or precise, so it’s fun to play someone so relentless.”
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Of course, a character this meticulous could easily feel cold, but not in Domingos’ hands. “An actor can’t judge a character. You have to understand their reasons. That’s what keeps him human.”
Then there’s the fun of watching him work with other characters. “He’s like a chess player in every scene, thinking two moves ahead, but always keeping the audience in mind.”
It is this balance of wit, strategy, and humanity that brings the Investigator to life and keeps audiences glued to their seats.
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