A complex combination of the fear factor and satire drive the narrative in Andrew Buckland’s classic play The Ugly Noo Noo

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

I felt stupid that I had not seen this production when it first performed in 1988, and this is because everyone that saw it kept on raving about it. This is for this reason why on Friday, as I made my way to the Market Theatre to watchThe Ugly Noo Noo by Andrew Buckland, a thespian who in South Africa has perfected the art of physical theatre to the extent that he has no rival on the local theatre scene, I was full of expectations, and yet not sure what to expect. This is despite the fact that I have attended shows by Buckland in the past.

And also, when you see such high profile artists as William Kentridge, among others in the audience, a man who is extremely busy creating most of the times and travelling around the world to exhibit his creativity, you know this is no ordinary play. And indeed, I witnessed the magic of theatre and creativity on stage. One man on stage and telling multiple stories of creatures and human animals in an entertaining and yet thought-provoking manner, it was incredible to watch Buckland at his best. Effortlessly moving from hard politics to mundane issues of the everyday, it really takes a talented actor to create a discernible narrative about the complex, multi-layered intersections of humans and creatures, the personal and the political, with a complicated combination of the fear factor and satire taking centre stage in this play.

But that is exactly what Buckland manages to achieve in this play and that is why when he faced staged it in 1988, he made a huge impression on the theatre audience in this country. This is why The Ugly Noo Noo is regarded as a South African classic. This is also perhaps why its text is regarded as extraordinary, and is arguably said to have changed the face of South African theatre for many thousands of practitioners and audience members alike, was first presented 36 years ago at the Market Theatre.

However, to follow it you need to pay more attention than you would ordinarily do when watching an ordinary play. This is why at the beginning I struggled to follow the narrative.

Here is the thing. The Ugly Noo Noo tells the story of a man’s encounter with an insect. Not just any insect but the notorious Parktown Prawn which inhabited the suburbs of Johannesburg particularly during the 80’s and 90’s. Using sharp satirical commentary, an explosive performance style and Buckland’s unique stage presence, this play takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through the compost heaps and dark underbelly of suburban life in the big city. It examines in splitting comic detail the relationship between fear and power in our everyday lives. Respected arts critique of the day, Barry Ronge, praised the play for making audiences “howl with laughter at the sheer sensual pleasure of theatrical performance.”

Directed by Janet Buckland, this groundbreaking play has garnered 17 national and international awards, including a Fringe First and a Perrier Pick of the Fringe shortlisting at the Edinburgh Festival. The accolades over the years have honoured its script, direction, and outstanding performance.

Drawing inspiration from the irrational fear evoked by the Parktown Prawn, The Ugly Noo Noodelves into how fear is manipulated in times of struggle and difficulty, while also addressing universal human truths. Its relevance and humour endure, making its main theme of irrational fear as compelling today as it was in 1988.

This return of the work to The Market celebrates the remarkable contribution of this pioneering piece to South African Theatre. Artistic Director of the Market Theatre, Greg Homann, says, “It’s a privilege for us at The Market to be able to welcome this play home, retaining Andrew Buckland in the role alongside the works relevance to our current world of fear and uncertainty.” Homann adds, “This season provides an opportunity for an audience who know the work to relive its brilliance, while giving a new audience a chance to witness the unique skills and stage presence of this elder of South African Theatre.”

The fact that the The Ugly Noo Noo is still being played today is a testament to the extraordinary nature of the show and its creators, affirming that more than three decades later, this is theatre that remains as enthralling and funny as ever.

.Don’t miss the opportunity to see Andrew Buckland in his seminal role at The Market Theatre from 15 August to 1 September 2024. Bookings are open via Webtickets.