A bully, a ghost, Harvard Law School and dreams of the youth.
Collective Arts Theatre’s Being Alive had a bit of everything and then some.
The amateur theatre, based in Bellville, presented the show last week. It followed the story of three couples in America, all navigating their way from school to adulthood. Being Alive was written and directed by Gavin Wright, and starred VJ Bassett (Warren), Celia Gildenhuys (Casey), Carlow Louw (Kevin) and Bianca Langedyk (Mary).
After the show, Wright said he was “incredibly happy” with the result. “The cast worked so hard.”
Asked whether it was difficult to imitate American accents, Wright said it was a gamble, but that the accent is universal. As the theatre is for amateurs, he didn’t put too much pressure on anyone to get it right.
“The aim of the theatre is to provide a platform for anyone who wants to perform,” he said. “We work hard. We have amazing vocalists.”
A place to belong
Celia Gildenhuys and VJ Bassett, who both shined in their respective lead roles, were both ecstatic about the performance.
Gildenhuys, who is a matric learner at Hoërskool Bellville, along with Catherine Swanepoel, said acting is an escape from school and daily stress. Both do drama at school as well.
“I love every moment,” Bassett said. “You won’t find anything like this anywhere else.”
The theatre’s actors are taking a short break before preparing for their next show, which is set to take place in June.
Other cast members include Andrea van Schalkwyk (Amanda), Daniel Morkel (Chanel Harper), Jan Wandrag (Mr Harper), Alex Wilson (Adam), Catherine Swanepoel (Sharon), Jessica Martin (Kim), René du Toit as Duane, Gavin Wright (professor), Noa du Plessis (Lilly), Cobus van Zyl (Frank), Henrico Groenewald (Neptune/pilot) and Finn Booysen (Sean). EJ Swart was the lighting and sound technician. Shaun du Bruyn did the follow spot. Adriaan de Villiers did the costumes. Wright also did the set/lighting and costume design. – Nielen de Klerk
