By BRUCE DENNILL
KickstArt presents a new production of the cult classic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban. The production is directed by Steven Stead, with set designs by multi award-winning Greg King and costume designs by Terrence Bray. Evan Roberts is the musical director, leading a live onstage band playing the well-loved score which features classics such as The Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite, Touch-a-Touch Me and Damn It , Janet. Choreography is by Simone Mann. Heading the impressive cast is Tshepo Ncokoane (Kinky Boots, The Magic Box, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as the cross-dressing mad scientist Frank N Furter.
In the lead-up to a new production, how do you prepare:
Physically… Depending on what is required, I have what I call an on-contract diet and an off-contract diet. These either include things I have aversions to or things that may irritate my throat or body and, of course, things that change the look of the body in a way that wouldn’t agree with whatever look is expected in the upcoming production.
Mentally… The script is one of my favourite markers as to how I ought to show up and what level of self I’ll be donating or sharing with the coming character or characters. I am a great advocate for training, because it is there where we learn how to arrive malleable to the material, the director’s vision and a personal mental plan for the intense eight- or nine-show week.
…And emotionally? Excitement generally leads the way, especially if the show is a dream role or something career-advancing. However, while it may be different for a lot of actors, I generally operate from joy and how the first week’s engagements land on me gets my emotional gear set.
What is the single most influential performance you’ve ever seen – the one that made you feel: “This is what I want to do with my life!”?
As far as deciding on a career, I’d have to say the movie version of Dreamgirls was a major catalyst. Once I then discovered that it had been on stage first, my interest was further piqued and led to searching for a place of study in pursuit of a career. It didn’t hurt that we had just had a production of the same musical in South Africa, just a year prior to my matriculation year. But if the question was all-time favourite musical, it’s a hard battle between The Little Mermaid and Anastasia, as they are both clear memories from my childhood – I’m talking fully vivid recollections!
What is your favourite aspect of the industry – be it specific people, parts of the production process, particular venues/locations or something else?
For me, it’s honestly the privilege of putting on the stories of other humans, fictional or otherwise, and then having to earnestly, sincerely and without judgement portray them. There’s just nothing like it. Of course, working with friends is always a treat. Whether on the creative side or on the stage, it makes fertile ground for each of us to sow into the production.
What is an aspect of the industry that you feel could be improved (even if that’s only an idealistic wish)?
The South African arts industry as a whole needs better regulation. Legal procedures, protocols and protections would go a long way to ensure better trajectories for the lives of those who dare belong to this brilliant industry.
What has been your scariest onstage/on set moment so far (anything from forgetting words or cues to accidents or other unforeseen events)?
The day I had to step onto stage for the first time in a featured role using an Australian accent, when all I had ever been was an ensemble member. The “level-up” was one of the first scares I’ve had in the biz.
Tell us about your current production, and what makes your character interesting to play?
With any leading character, you’ve got to find a way to deliver the meat throughout the production. If you give it all away too soon, there’s nothing left for them to enjoy, much less take home. If you deliver it too late, you may pay the price of being remembered for the one moment, instead of the full monty. In this particular production, it’s about finding that balance in Frank N Furter’s sensuality, because he’s a man for all people.