LIONEL Bart’s evergreen, ‘Oliver!’, based on the Charles Dickens classic novel, takes to the stage at DUT’s Courtyard Theatre from 22 to 28 March.
‘Oliver!’ is a delicious feel-good tale of young Oliver Twist – and a host of colourful and eccentric characters: his co-conspirator, The Artful Dodger; the patriarch of the gang, Fagin; the sweet and caring Nancy; and the evil Bill Sykes.
It is also a hugely significant social commentary, looking at the miserable life of a vulnerable young orphan living in Victorian London – his time in a workhouse, being sold as an undertaker’s assistant and as part of a gang of young pickpockets – before being adopted by his benefactor, Mr Brownlow. The ‘Oliver!’ rags-to-riches formula has inspired countless similar stories, including the much-loved musical, Annie.
‘Oliver!’ boasts a host of much-loved songs: ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Oliver!’, ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘You’ve got to Pick a Pocket or Two’, ‘As Long as He Needs Me’, ‘I’d Do Anything’ and ‘Omm-Pah-Pah’. It has had a myriad incarnations with West End and Broadway versions, film versions and countless school and amateur renditions.
Director, Dr Pamela Tancsik, has localised it to a contemporary Durban setting – reminding us that this iconic work of literature is as current and topical now as when it was written. Human trafficking, abuse against women and children, poverty and street children stealing wallets and cell phones are all issues that resonate with us today as much as urchins lifting silk handkerchiefs and pocket-watches did in the 1800s.
Musical director is Madlen Tzankova, set design is by Peter Court, set construction is by Jimmy Alberts and Black Coffee, choreography is by Mdu Mtshali and musical piano accompaniment is by Richardt Wissink. Costumes and props are sourced and designed by the cast.
After two rounds of open auditions 12 children were chosen to play the orphans and to supplement the DUT students in the cast. There is a cast of 55 performers in total.
Tickets for this show are R50 for adults and R25 for children and are available through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or at the door.
