A universal story set at the end of apartheid
A POWERFUL new play commemorating the life of political activist Lenny Naidu is to be staged in the Playhouse Drama theatre this month.
Written and narrated by Jayshree Parasuramen and starring Rahul Brijnath, Lenny tells the story of a man who gave his life for the struggle. Directed by Themi Venturas, the production’s premiere season is from July 21 to 31.
“Being the first director to stage this new play is a thrill,” said Venturas. “It is also quite daunting, especially when it is about a person of whom many still have a living memory.
“How do you give the drama its necessary impetus without messing with the facts? Suffice to say that the historical facts, people, and incidents are all correct.
The playwright has some licence to write what she believes was actually said behind closed doors and, while these scenes may be fictional, the ethos is not,” he said.
“While Lenny is a story based on an activist killed during the latter years of apartheid by the Third Force based at Vlakplaas, the story is universal.
“It is about families who are torn apart and those who are left behind.
“It is about chance, but most of all it is about one person’s propensity for brutality towards another.”
“Lenny is a celebration of our freedom,” said Parasuramen. “It is a story to remind us of the journey of our unsung heroes who, despite many challenges, were determined to bring about change. It is a play that will strengthen relations with people across the race barriers.
“To promote the arts and keep the legacy of heroes alive takes courage, determination and hard work. I have worked on this project for more than two years and plans are already in place for a national tour.
“Rahul Brijnath appears in the title role as Lenny, with Parasuramen as the narrator. Further casting features Savy Ramsamy as Lenny’s mother Neela, and Yashik Singh as the activist’s best friend, Richard.
Tickets are R120. Booking is through Computicket (0861 915 8000, www. computicket.com) or the Playhouse box office (031 369 9540 or 031 369 9596).