The Joseph and Mary Affair at the Theatre in the District

The description of the play did not do justice to the fantastic performance. The basic explanation is the interaction between 2 factory workers and a security guard in producing a nativity play, exploring tolerance and religious beliefs. It sounded rather dry and I am never sure how tolerance and religious beliefs can be a comedy.

Speedy is determined to put on a nativity play with Gertie and Munnier. Gertie, the machinist, is fantastic. The way she smacks her lips and bluntly comments on people and life, like when reading everyone's horoscopes is priceless. Munnier is the shy security guard and wants to know what a Moslem is doing in a Christian play. Slowly he comes out of his shell and gets some of the best lines. Speedy is great as the dispatch clerk with ties to the managers and his authoritative way of ordering people around. There is a wonderful interchange between Gertie and Munnier about the Mary / Miriam story. As well as the interchange about the ko'an and not the koran. Throughout the practice the different elements from the nativity story and daily life in a clothing factory get woven together coming to a very poignant end.

The audience was a treat with people screaming with laughter throughout the play, loving the innuendo and bantering between the three charachters. My "Cape Afikaans" is not that hot, so I lost some of jokes in the quick interactions. I am impressed that the actors were able to keep up the fast pace throughout the one-act play of over an hour, it was a roller coaster ride using all the emotions. Quite deservedly the cast got a standing ovation from the full house. I hope that this continues every night. The details are on the Encore website www.encoreonline.co.za. The play runs until the first week of December. You have to see it and will get value for your money.

This is our second show seen at the Theatre in the District, both of which have been excellent. The Theatre is focussing on productions linked to the Coloured and District 6 community providing a platform for new artists and fringe productions.