Pictures by Philip Kuhn
KING GEORGE
A new play by Brent Palmer
DIRECTOR and production design: Adrian Collins
CAST: Clyde Berning and Brent Palmer
VENUE: Theatre on the Square, Sandton
DATES: Until May 4
It’s not an easy world we live in. Nothing seems to come without some kind of threatening event or warnings to watch out for scams when dealing with the outside world with its big bad wolves on the take.
This is exactly what you witness in this smartly crafted play by Brent Palmer – one of the actors and the playwright. In the world of theatre, it helps when you can also write the stories you want to tell and if you do it this well, it’s a bonus.
The fact that it doesn’t take much more than two male actors in a room makes this one a no-brainer, especially for independent theatres that have relentless financial restrictions. Shane Wynstock (Berning) is the slick CEO of Synergy Properties. He is in the process of starting a new development and boasting about his accomplishments to a possible investor when there’s a knock on the door.
George Megalos (Palmer, who recently won a Fleur du Cap for this particular role) is someone who slides into a room and not with the bravado of Seinfeld’s Kramer – it’s much more of a slithering entrance. He’s trouble, and that’s immediately visible.
The gloves are off.
Not that Shane seems to be bothered. And the dilemma unfolds cunningly and with great sparring between the two obviously adversarial men. It appears that there’s a problem with an audacious development plan which Shane is about to set in motion. It means problems for homeowners in the area though, as they’re just expected to vacate their homes and move.
George is determined to have nothing of this as they become embroiled in a heated argument.
The interesting twist is the switch of villains with the more sleazy character the one who can claim the moral high ground, while the obviously moneyed man is the bully who knows he has the bucks to win this round. That’s all that counts.
It’s intriguing theatre as the two actors inhabit their characters and quickly draw you into their different worlds – with some ambivalence because we live in times where first impression is based on appearance. Shane wins hands down, but it becomes clear that the tables might be turned in this one.
The play is not about the outcome; it’s much more about the world we find ourselves navigating, where the traditional rules no longer apply. It’s all about power, and that is determined by the one who has the money.
But the manoeuvring is fun and the actors obviously delight in this fast-paced duel. I loved the originality as it’s not something I’ve seen before, and it’s perfect for our crazy world where men like Trump and Zuma think they have a second chance at the top spot in spite of their sullied reputations known to all.
And they have the followers who egg them on.
De Beer Necessities 
Really makes one want to go and see it! Well done!
Sent from my iPad
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Dankie!