DIY DIVA SAYS ‘AU REVOIR’
VANESSA HARRIS is having fun this festive season, directing the Kalk Bay Theatre’s festive fare Au Revoir. She talks about the show, and how it has been to co-own this funky theatre: What Au Revoir is all about?
Well – the question is not really what it’s about, it’s more what it’s aimed at. And that is pure escapism! There’s no storyline, but there is a style and thread that ties the show together. The same avant garde sexy craziness that ran throughout Bon Soir is the backbone of Au Revoir. We’ve brought on board six ridiculously talented performers to give life to our ideas and they are going to totally titillate your brain. Comedy, dance, optical illusion, burlesque, adagio, music, singing, mime - and so much more. Please be aware of a discretionary age restriction of 14 years for this show.
Is it a form of sequel to Bon Soir, in terms of look-and-feel?
Yes, we do talk about it as a “kind of” sequel. Bon Soir was such a runaway success last year and the demand from our customers for something similar was huge. We just had to do something more with the original concept. It is different though – every scene has a bright shiny newness to it.
Would you say it is specially designed for the feel-good festive season?
100% absolutely! The show is wild, funny, sexy, silly – brilliant for a highly entertaining night out. Perfect for end-of-year celebrations.
And is it a collaborative production, in terms of how it is put together?
The main creative team was Ash (Searle, Vanessa’s husband and co-owner of the Kalk Bay Theatre), myself - and Bradley (Searle, Ash’s brother) before he rushed back to the States to the love in his life. The three of us have had such success in creating the Big Boys trilogy, we felt that we just had to do more with that winning formula. You know, we are so attuned to each other – we intuitively seem to know what the other is thinking and the often wacky ideas flow easily.
On to the theatre itself – did you ever think you would be the owner of your own theatre venue?
It certainly wasn’t in the original plan! But when opportunity knocks, I love a challenge. We realised that, as such a small quirky space, we could inject it with our personality. And we don’t only see the stage as an opportunity for creative expression, we create drama in the restaurant as well with our style of service and the cheeky but fun approach to the menu.
And how has it been, so far?
A bit of a crazy journey – like any small business, there are ups and downs. Learning what works and bumping your head along the way. But we’ve built a family business that cares about its customers. Our regulars – of which we have many – are very at home in the theatre. It’s become an extension of their lounge - instead of the TV, there’s a stage!
You and Ash hand-pick all the productions at KBT – what would you say are the criteria for selection?
We definitely hand-pick. The only thing we consider is “Will our regulars enjoy this?” This is a business – we want bums on seats. At the beginning some shows approached us, others we scouted – but we’ve come to rely on our instincts on what will appeal.
What was the last live show you saw, and was it?
The Graveyard – at the Grahamstown festival. Devastatingly sad.
What do you like to do to relax?
I’m a spa bunny and a sucker for a good body massage. And there’s nothing to beat playing with my kids.
Tell us something about yourself that others may not know/suspect?
I’m a DIY diva. When I have a drill in my right hand, a jigsaw in my left, a screwdriver in my back pocket, I’m a happy girl. I adore designing things, making things, building things.
From Friday until January 14. Book www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za