Into the deep nights of Jozi

This was one of the shows that stood out for me during the DFL Festival. This year was not that amazing, as many shows were from the Arts Fest and others were just too awful to watch. I think there must be a fine line between edutainment and experiments...Anyways, you must definitely check out this show whenever you hear about it. I'm not sure if they're going to bring it back back in JHB but, keep your eyes locked down.

It is a must for any theatre lover...Here's my review. Enjoy...

SHOW: Deep Night @ The Drama For Life Festival


By Siyabonga Mposula

We all do countless things to belong and be loved. And most of the times these actions leave us empty and miserable due to the fruitless nature of the consequences.

Set in the heart of Johannesburg outside a night club director PJ Sabbagha tells a story about lives lived with many fantasies and desires which have turned into tragedies. The dance work is about the challenges most young people face as they strive for independence, growth and self determination. He deals with the plague of the HIV/Aids and its effect on the youth.

Lulu Mlangeni in Deep Night

Deep Night is a portrait of teenage life in Johannesburg and a fight to find the meaning of life as a young person. This is seen through Dada Masilo’s solo, which shows the audience her pain, struggle and perplexity which has left her naked and without self respect.

Deep Night is full of metaphors communicating the message, such as the leaf blower which represents life, which keeps blowing us away, leading us into temptations and predicaments. Sabbagha takes the audience to a life in the streets of Johannesburg. He uses plastic hair as a symbol of beauty of which everyone strives for in order to belong. From this beauty comes “… bruising physicality and exciting imagery to weave a dreamlike stream of consciousness meditation on love, lust longing and loneliness”, writes Sabbagha in his directors notes.

Deep Night @ The Dance Factoory, Newtown

Deep Night is not a dance work created “just” for entertainment; it has relevance to a contemporary society with power to change minds and play a huge role in community health education.