QUACK!
QUACK! is a mime performance devised by Rob Murray and cast.
Also found as Quack!
Contents
The original text
Devised by the cast under the direction of Rob Murray, it is described as an Afro-Gothic thriller and utilizes a range of theatrical techniques to communicate with the audience, including masks, mime, sound, etc., while eschewing verbal dialogue.[1]
The piece tells the tale of a man dying in hospital, lost in fever and beset with visions. In his delirium, he escapes into a parallel universe, refashioning himself as a powerful healer. Part quack doctor; part motivational speaker; part politician; and part alchemist, he travels the land aided by his long-suffering assistant, and the mysterious presence of a number of acolytes. With them, he harvests the hopes and dreams of his expectant audiences. But then the piece asks: in an environment of secrets and false prophets, influence is bound to go astray and how long can people be deceived and strung along before they turn against the liar?
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
2009: Performed at the National Arts Festival in July, directed by Rob Murray with Daniel Buckland, Liezl de Kock, Emilie Starke, Marlon Snyders, Jori Snell, Tomri Steyn and Christopher Beukes. Masks by Janni Younge, sound design by James Webb and Brydon Bolton, set design and props by Jesse Kramer and costume design by Leila Anderson.
2009: Performed at the Intimate Theatre in November.
2010: Performed in the Arena Theatre at the Out of the Box Festival in March, with Lysander Barends, Liezl de Kock, Emilie Starke, Marlon Snyders, Jori Snell, Tomri Steyn and Christopher Beukes.
Sources
https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/media/23661/quacks-back-for-out-the-box
Ruphin Coudyzer. 2023. Annotated list of his photographs of Market Theatre productions. (Provided by Coudyzer)
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