Description
Book SynopsisSingh's plays reflect, in different ways, on the complexities and contradictions of life in post-Apartheid South Africa. Set in South Africa's third largest and most diverse city, focussing on people of Indian origin and their relationship with other South African communities, these five plays, “undres[s] Durban, as they take us away from the neon lights and 'candy floss' to the reality of the underbelly of post-Apartheid urban and suburban existence.” Professor Betty Govinden Singh is a three-time national award winner for playwriting via the PANSA Playreading Festival (South Africa's foremost playwriting contest). Durban Dialogues, Indian Voice is an anthology of five engaging and eclectic South African plays by award-winning playwright Ashwin Singh. The plays selected, namely To House, Duped, Spice 'n Stuff, Reoca Light and Beyond the Big Bangs represent the complete array of Singh's storytelling skills in drama as well as satire. Each play reflects, in different ways, on the complexities and contradictions of life in post-Apartheid South Africa, and focuses particularly on people of Indian origin and their relationship with other South African communities. The plays present a moving portrait of a unique array of characters and are also punctuated by Singh's trademark humour. Each one is set in Durban, South Africa's third largest and most diverse city, and they are described by renowned academic and critic Betty Govinden as “undressing Durban, as they take us away from the neon lights and 'candy floss' to the reality of the underbelly of post-Apartheid urban and suburban existence.” This contemporary play collection from award-winning playwright is ideal for schools, colleges and theatre companies unafraid of gritty drama.
Trade Review“To House is an important piece of theatre; in it people voice opinions that are uncomfortable and edgy. The cathartic and therapeutic value of hearing these things said aloud in a public place is part of our essential healing process and proves, once again, that art has the ability to go where angels fear to tread.” Daily News, Durban “Singh's To House deals with alliances and conflicts between Black, White and Indian characters ... the intricate plot holds the attention.” Independent on Sunday “Singh's beautifully crafted play is rich in humour and in sadness, peppered with witty one-liners and moving insights. Here is a microcosm of the endearing foibles and extraordinary resilience of a community under threat from all angles.” ArtSmart, South Africa
Table of ContentsA Critical Overview 13 by Betty Govinden Summary and Analysis 17 by Shantal Singh The Plays To House (2003) 23 Duped (2011) 71 Spice ’n Stuff (2006) 117 Reoca Light (2010) 163 Beyond the Big Bangs (2013) 187
