Black comedy this Christmas
PIETERMARITZBURG-BORN Jonathan Cohen goes back to his roots when he performs his one-man tragi-comedy, White Christmas, at the Hexagon Theatre for one performance on December 3.
Following from its run at Seabrooke’s Theatre in Durban earlier this year, the production, which is written and directed by Clinton Marius, scooped six nominations in this year’s Durban Theatre Awards.
Marius was named for best director, best new South African script and best production, while Cohen was nominated for best lead actor, best solo performer and best new male performer.
White Christmas hones in on the Van Niekerk family as they go “upmarket” and spend their annual festive season holiday at the Park Rynie caravan park on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast – but this year’s holiday is different.
According to Marius, White Christmas is a black comedy about a South African family’s 350-year history in this country, and where they stand today.
“The play is the most personal I have written to date, as it turns a satirical spotlight on my own family. Certain elements have been tweaked for dramatic effect, but the bittersweet account is by-andlarge a factual one.”
Tickets for White Christmas at the Hexagon Theatre, UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus, are R100 and booking is through Computicket.