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PRESS: Step into the captivating world of Harold Pinter’s THE DUMB WAITER at the Baxter’s Masambe

RemDog Production

 

Harold Pinter’s award winning play, THE DUMB WAITER, immerses audiences in a suffocating atmosphere of suspense and tension. The play offers a rare glimpse into the early genius of the 20th century’s foremost playwright. RemDog Productions presents this “greatest one-act” at the Baxter Theatre’s Masambe Theatre for a limited season only.

THE DUMB WAITER explores the dynamics of two experienced hitmen, waiting in what is thought to be an abandoned basement for their next assignment. Ben, the senior member in this operation and longtime partner of Gus, waits patiently for orders to arrive from their boss. Having always completed his assignments exactly the same as the last, Ben has never felt the need to deviate from what is expected of him. Gus on the other hand struggles to contain his sense of unease in this dimly lit room, and can’t help but question the powers that have placed them where they are today. A repetitive sequence of waiting ensues, until the unexpected happens, and questions become more pointed and at times, nearly nonsensical. 


At the heart of this production is a stellar cast and crew dedicated to bringing Pinter's early masterpiece to life.


Award-winning actor, writer and producer, Brent Palmer, takes on the role of Ben with complexity and nuance. Five of his plays have been nominated for Fleur Du Cap theatre awards, and in 2024, Palmer won the Fleur Du Cap award for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of George Megalos in his play titled, King George. Palmer also wrote and produced the short film King George in collaboration with Ari Kruger and Sketchbook Studios. He is no stranger to South Africa's stages, having appeared in plays such as Bench, The Father, A Steady Rain, The Kingmakers, Macbeth, The Room and Dinner with the 42’s. In 2015, he received the SAFTA award for Best Short Film for Picture Perfect Heist, which he co- produced with BenchFilms. His television credits include Tali’s Wedding (Showmax), Those Who Can’t (SABC 3), Our Girl (BBC).


Jock Kleynhans takes in the role of Gus, opposite Palmer’s, Ben. A recent graduate of the UCT Centre for Theatre and Performance, Kleynhans already brings a wealth of experience from his diverse stage and screen roles. His theatrical credits include Maynardville’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Skin Tight and Romeo and Juliet, with screen appearances in MNet’s Lioness, Apple TV’s ‘Invasion’, and more.


Guiding this exceptional cast is Aidan Scott, making his directorial debut. Scott, known for his dynamic performances, recently starred as Mozart in Peter Shaffer's Amadeus and has a rich history as a seasoned theatre actor. He has worked in the UK with the smash-hit production Don’t Make Tea, which recently concluded its UK tour. He has also starred opposite Nicholas Pauling in The Rangers and plays the character Helmeppo in the Netflix series One Piece. His foray into directing promises fresh insight and innovative direction, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.


Cameron Moodie will beguile audiences with his brilliant set in this production. He is a designer, maker and stage manger that likes to explore creative ways to mobilize materials. He recently graduated from UCT, as a scenographer, and spends most of his time curating objects and making paper crafts. You’d have recently seen him stage managing Maynardville’s Romeo and Juliet (dir. by Geoffrey Hyland), or co-designing the Fleur de Cap winning production, Delela (dir. Tisetso wa Noni Mashefane).


The absurd nature of THE DUMB WAITER, found in a tiny basement, will leave both the characters and the audience lost for words. The team of exceptional and dedicated artists promises to bring the exquisite, hilarious and astounding writing of Harold Pinter to life, in a gripping and thought provoking fashion. 


THE DUMB WAITER, presented by RemDog Productions will be onstage at the Baxter's Masambe Theatre from 18 - 28 June 2024. It carries an age restriction of 10 for scenes with reference to a violent nature. Tickets are available online through Webticket, and are priced at R150 standard ticket, R120 for Students & Pensioners. 


Production: The Dumb Waiter Written by Harold Pinter 

Directed by Aidan Scott Performed by Brent Palmer and Jock Kleynhans

Scenography & Lighting by Cameron Moodie 

Costume Design by Robyn Louw 

Sound Design by Aidan Scott

Production photos by Andreas Damm

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