By Stal Gayheart & 3 Way Stop
Dear Pink Couch, and the Space Behind (you)
3 Way and I are lounging, in a lounge, on couches, chatting about Out Of Order, your latest theatrical shenanigan. Now we know it’s been a while since we’ve reviewed anything, (for that we have our reasons), which is also not to say that we haven’t been to see anything. Oh how much we’ve seen! Huddled in the dark of the theatre, quietly munching on pocket-sized shortbread and sipping jolly juice from sock-flasks. We are nigher than you thinks! (“nigher” is too funny not to be a word.) Anyway… 3 Way suggested that we write you a letter. I thought it might be strange to write a letter to a piece of furniture. 3 Way noted that nothing is strange for us. Hence, the letter. [dun dun duuuuuun]
So. How are you?
What’s it like being a couch? Does the other furniture tease you for being pink? I bet you must have had some interesting people sit on you. Or even sleep on you. Also, what part of you is your face?
Hmmm. Those were some nice questions.
Now for some observations. This new show Out Of Order was rather funny, which is good considering it’s a comedy. James McGregor and Gabriel Marchand made a nice couple. Their comic timing is tight and they have a chemistry on stage that is well suited for the characters they play. The text is sharp, well written and uncluttered- squeaky clean, like Mr. Min riding on a dolphin. This was offset by the griity, harsh soundtrack (at times in need of some level modulation) and of course the situational context. Two oaks on opposite sides of the Boer War (which one again?) making friends, escaping onslaught after onslaught sometimes and even tripping the light fantasties met die morphine squishy. Fokken hectic.
Another kief thing was the way in which the whole gemors came together stylistically. It’s like the story got to tell itself in different ways, through illustration, live dialogue, sound, action and brandy. The switching between modes was fluid and well directed and kept the pace up and the audience interested. (though I couldn’t see much of what the illustrations were, since they were a little too little.)
While some people were grumbling about stereotypes in the Intimate Theatre foyer afterwards, I was celebrating them. The piece wouldn’t have worked if Belknap had written deeply complex, emotionally rich characters from a mixed socio-political background, with BA’s in anthropology or classics or some other kak. Or maybe it would. But who cares? We’re not gonna review a play that “should have been.”
Ok Couch, and Space Behind… Thanks for the new work, and keep writing. Or typing. Or whatever.
Actually… how the fuck does a couch type anyway? (3 Way is now telling me that you’re an anthropomorphized couch, so you can do whatever the fuck you want.)
Hmm. Have you ever been swimming?
Peace and Hippies,
The Ponyroachers.
PS: In case you ever get lonely: looky looky space behind pink couchy couchy
and it gets 2 and a half Tsars. and a half-koeksister.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
Out Of Order runs at the Itimate Theatre,
Friday, 25 November 2011 until Saturday 03 December. 8PM.
Written and directed by Beren Belknap
Designed, constructed and animated by The Space Behind The Couch
Sound design by Gideon Lombard
Starring James MacGregor and Gabriel Marchand
Produced by The Pink Couch
To book, call 072 367 6878 or email thepinkcouch@gmail.com
