A LITTLE while back I was lucky enough to attend a song and dance production by the students of LAMTA – Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy – which was superb. On that night, Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander said to come back in seven weeks to see what their students had learned about the third prong of the triple threat: acting.
The Table – a selection of comedy morsels – is being served until tomorrow, July 27, at Theatre On The Bay. The students are not being wrapped in cotton wool; the material is meaty, from the likes of Alan Ayckbourn, Nora Ephron and Steven Berkoff. At the same time, they benefit from incredible support from their academy, the theatre, and access to directors like Alan Committie and Christopher Weare.
The results are as astounding as the previous production. Each course on the menu brings something different to the stage (or the table, if you want to continue with the metaphor), from ensemble pieces to a monologue, and they are all funny in their own way. The students are versatile, well-rehearsed, and deftly directed. It’s very impressive.
Running alongside this production, is a dinner special at Side Dish, the theatre’s restaurant. Two courses are R100, or R85 for a main, and R30 for the chocolate cake dessert on its own. I had the bobotie and it was deliciously classic, served with rice, papadums and sambals. My friend had butter chicken, with the same accompaniments; the vegetarian dish is aubergine, chickpea, lentil and spinach moussaka, with chef’s salad on the side.
For more information about LAMTA, click here; for theatre contact details, click here. On August 3 there will be auditions for the next intake at the academy.
