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Barbara Loots
GLIMMER is the first offering by the newly formed 2024 Magnet Theatre Youth Company. They come hot on the heels of the success of the previous troupe who amazed audiences with productions such as SURGE and OEDIPUS AT COLONUS: #aftersophocles.
Written and directed by theatre maker and puppeteer, Roshina Ratnam, GLIMMER explores the impact of social media trends on people, specifically teenagers, and how they perceive each other and the world around them. Themes of identity, self- acceptance, bullying, love, and loss are central to the story that follows three childhood friends, Zazi (Karabo H. Banda), Lihle (Lusanda Soboyise) and Sam (Buhle T. Stefane). A traumatic event forces them to reevaluate their friendship and whether they can be their true selves with each other.
It’s a cautionary tale that gives the performers the opportunity to drive a narrative that not only speaks to their peers but also to every one of us who allow social media to infiltrate our lives, and at times dominate and dictate the volume of information we process and share with the world while staring at our phone screens. It calls on people to consider the inevitable personal ripple effects that our online world has on our reality. The internet, and social media in particular, disconnects us from our actual in-person relationships with those closest to us. “Besties” online will not be there for you as much as “besties” in person, but we need to invest time and care into those real-life and real-time relationships. That nugget of truth is central to the GLIMMER experience.
The production has a lot of heart, and allows for the establishment of an emotional connection with the characters early on. The script can be a bit tighter in places, but the full ensemble delivers committed and high energy performances all round. The performers have a good rapport with each other; that connection specifically is on impressive display in the choreographed portions of the play.
The set design by Hansie Visagie (assisted by KosieSmit) innovatively uses the outline of phone screens for multiple purposes, as the characters step through these to reveal different memories and stages of friendship as it relates to the personal and interpersonal development of the three main characters.
The soundscape by Pierre-Henri Wicomb at times felt a bit overwhelming, and can perhaps be dialed down a decibel or two. However, if one considers that the characters themselves are dealing with social media and peer pressure, which in itself can be overwhelming, perhaps the assault by sound is an intentional choice at times.
The production cleverly puts to use objects as puppets. Specifically, the online gaming inspired scenes are very impressive, both from a puppetry and lighting design (by Themba Stewart) viewpoint.
GLIMMER is a truly collaborative product that showcases the talented new cohort making up the latest Magnet Theatre Youth Company. I look forward to seeing them grow into the performers they are destined to be.
GLIMMER runs at the Magnet Theatre until 31 August 2024. Bookings can be made online through Webtickets. Tickets are R120pp for general admission with concessions for scholars, students, pensioners at R80pp.
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