Theatre piece a coup for playwright
Punchy political satire gets thumbs up from audience
It is not everyday that a business deal goes wrong just because of a pair of shoes.
This is precisely what happens in Palesa Mazamisa’s Shoes & Coups: a paradox of the absurd, that is on at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
It’s a political satire about the state of contemporary global politics and the rise of civil activism and features a cast of talented actors like Michelle Mosalakae, Sihle Ndaba, Sipho Zakwe and Zizi Peteni. They are all amazing, but Mosalakae was just in her own league.
The play is about the ultimate State of Lascivia that has lost its leader, the Supreme General, who died tragically choking on a chicken bone when his limousine crashed into a tree.
The Great Successor (Michelle Mosalakae), is set to take over the reign of the prosperous nation. As an only child, she has no choice but to take on her duty and lead the country.
But she selfishly turns down a lucrative deal offered by deputy CEO of The Corporation, Tracinda Purchase (Sihle Ndaba), just because of a pair of shoes.
She has issues because Ms Purchase wears a designer pair similar to hers.
While there is a catfight, Nimrod (Zizi Peteni), the assistant, uses the opportunity to plot a coup to unseat her.
The story is told in the most hilarious and entertaining way. Shoes & Coups doesn’t require an elaborate stage design. The quality of the acting is impressive and characters are relatable and well-portrayed.
It’s an absolute killer, funny and witty.
The most hilarious performance of the evening is by Sipho Zakwe, who acts as an imbongi and sign language interpreter. Based on the audience’s explosive ovation, the play hit the right note.