AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
TW: This show contains themes of racial discrimination and classism, references to dispossession, loud noises and sound effects.
A Good House, a new play by South African writer Amy Jephta, follows the story of two new members of a gated community as they are pushed to be the face of a demolition act towards a new and mysterious shack. Filled with subtle humour and music, the show was a joy to watch while also pushing the more uncomfortable and important themes that face the couple, Bonolo (played by Mimî M Khayisa) and Sihle (played by Sifiso Mazibuko).
One of the best aspects of this production was the set design by ULTZ and built by the Bristol Old Vic Scenic Workshop. The simple screen's represented the divide between the houses and the shack standing just behind, which was constantly covered up by these screens when the members of the community became worked up by it. The use of sofas to depict the different layouts of each of the couple's houses was very effective, using music (from composer Femi Temowo and sound designer Elena Peña) to distract the audience from the loud movements. The added set pieces for Bonolo and Sihle's home, such as paintings and bowls to align with their heritage and roots added to the themes of the play, depicting the difference between them and the other people within the community as the only house to be decorated differently.
Both Sifiso Mazibuko, as Sihle, and Mimî M Khayisa, as Bonolo, created a clear and convincing couple trying to fit in within a close knit community, with asides, indicated by a spotlight, to show when the other characters were unable to hear them. Mazibuko in particular, within the scenes that became much more uncomfortable, was able to show to the audience that he too was trying to fit in within this new community with loud laughs to add to this uncomfortable atmosphere. The other four actors, Kai Luke Brummer (Andrew), Olivia Darnley (Lynette), Robyn Rainsford (Jess) and Scott Sparrow (Christopher) were able to use accents to support the scenes location, which were not originally clear before they spoke.
The simple costume choice placed the characters in the context of the setting. The branded and luxury clothes worn by Bonolo and Sihle placed them within the higher class bracket whereas the clothes worn by Andrew and Jess depicted a slightly lower class compared to the other characters. which was well thought through by Costume Supervisor Lucy Walshaw.
Overall, A Good House was a truly eye-opening production, highlighting serious themes whilst including light humour and the way they infused these two together, did not take away from the message at the end of the show. This production would relate to all audience members, but will resonate to anyone within a community that have felt these themes within the real world. A Good House shows how important it is to spread awareness to as many people as possible.
★★★★
A Good House is currently playing at Bristol Old Vic until 8th March 2025
Comments