Hazel Hinda shines as Lammie Beukes

Title of play: Lammie Beukes Playwright: Severius Majiedt Director: Senga Brockerhoff *** This emotional play is an agonising reminder that sometimes a great script and an experienced and talented leading actress isn’t enough to create a theatrical masterpiece. The play follows the life of a coloured woman who has had her share of ups and downs, and who is raising three children on her own, while pregnant with a fourth child whose father is a married man. Actress Hazel Hinda tapped into her emotions, cementing her status as by far one of Namibia’s most versatile and talented actresses. In the comedic movements, Hazel made everyone laugh, and in those sad and bitter moments she displayed, it was hard not to get a lump in your throat. She not only captured attention with her compelling acting, but her wave of emotions was felt by everyone in the auditorium. Also pretty impressive was Abraham Pieters, who played Sticks, the blind man who is Lammie’s confidant and friend. Everything else, however, seemed inconsistent. A backdrop that never dimmed or changed, despite it becoming day and night on stage, irked me. Also, what particularly stood out were the emotions, or rather lack thereof, of many of the other actors. At one point, Chalva Wels who played Liezel, catches her husband with Lammie, yet shows no emotion and shock, like you would expect a wife to show in those circumstances. Also, despite major anticipation, some actors lost the authenticity of the dialogue. Adriano Visagie played Woux, the father of Lammie’s unborn child. He seemed uncomfortable and his acting was almost forced. The same can be said about Severiano Willemse. The fact that the lead actress was so astonishing didn’t help the situation much, as her effortless acting showed up the others. For a first time director, Senga did a wonderful job with the children who played Lammie’s kids. Ferion Beukes was outstanding and I foresee great things for him. Despite the many inconsistencies, it’s wonderful to see young actresses like Senga trying their hand at directing. This will likely usher in a new generation of vibrant actors and directors that are willing to take charge of the local theatre industry.