By Janice Malone
The internationally acclaimed Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord production of The SUIT is coming to Nashville.
The show will play Nashville’s OZ’s elegantly minimalist warehouse venue for three nights, May 22–24. The production runs 75 minutes, with no intermission. OZ is located at 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle in Nashville, TN. (www.oznashville.com).
The Suit is directed by the renowned theater artist Peter Brook, who’s directed over 70 productions in London, Paris and New York, along with his long-time collaborator, Marie-Hélène Estienne.
The Suit is a poignant, music-filled tale of marital betrayal and resentment. It provides a unique perspective on apartheid-era life in South Africa. Composer Franck Krawcyzk provides musical direction.
Based on South African writer Can Themba’s powerful novella, and adapted for the stage by Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon of Johannesburg’s Market Theatre. The synopsis of The Suit tells the tale about Philomen, a middle-class lawyer who catches his wife, Matilda in the midst of an affair. Her lover flees, leaving behind the eponymous garment of the play—his suit. As punishment, Philemon makes Matilda treat the suit as an honored guest, preparing meals for it, entertaining it and taking it out for walks as a constant reminder of her adultery.
The setting of Sophiatown, a teeming township that was erased shortly after Themba wrote his novel, is as much a character in the play as the unfortunate couple, and this production lends it life and energy even with a small cast. “We are just so amazed and excited to have this production in Nashville. Peter Brooks is such an iconic director and artist! We’re inviting everyone from all over the Nashville and surrounding areas to please come out to enjoy this show,” says Laura Snelling, Artistic Director of OZ Nashville.
The Suit production has been touring in North America since February of 2013. This is their third American tour. It first premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and since been performed at such venues as the Kennedy Center, UCLA in Los Angeles and also in San Francisco. Nashville is the final stop for this tour for the American speaking production before it goes back to France.
This exquisite work features a very minimal set, yet innovative staging that integrates live musicians among actors and musicians, performing music from sources ranging from Franz Schubert to “Strange Fruit” to Miriam Makeba.
According to Lauren, “The storyline may sound a little strong but believe me, the performances are just amazing. The production features actual South African music and songs that are within the entire show. It’s not a musical but the songs are intertwined within the story-line of this couple and what they’re experiencing. Plus, there’s also a narrator. So it’s good storytelling, combined with great music and songs. The actors do an amazing job of creating the scenes for the audience without using a lot of set decorations. It’s an incredible piece of theatre work,” says Ms. Snelling, who came to the OZ organization following posts at the Park Avenue Armory in New York and the Melbourne International Arts Festival in Australia.
The Suit production was created for the stage in Johannesburg in the early 1990’s. Peter Brook saw the show when Barney Simon adapted it for the stage in Johannesburg. Mr. Brook took it back to France to do some work on it. They then toured the show around France for a while. The production was scheduled to tour in America during the 90’s but didn’t because the producers didn’t feel the timing was right. Ms. Snelling says, “I’m intrigued to see how will Nashville audiences react to this show. The production has received wonderful reviews across the nation. Audiences who have seen it around the country have left the theater feeling a bit devastated but also uplifted at the same time. The performances from the actors leaves a feeling of elegance with the audience that lasts for a long time.”
The Suit consists of an international cast, ranging from France to South Africa, with some having immigrated to America.
l-r-Nonhlanhla-Kheswa-and-Ivanno-Jeremiah-stand-proudly-in-a-scene-from-“The-Suit”
Composer Franck Krawcyzk provides musical direction. South African actor/singer Nonhlanhla Kheswa is the lead voice of The Suit. The multitalented entertainer’s been performing the role of Matilda in show since it premiered in Paris in 2012. She has traveled the world with the show, from Shanghai, to London, Parks, New York and other exotic countries. Some of her many credits include working in the Broadway cast of Disney’s The Lion King.
About the Writer/playwright: The Suit author Canodoise Daniel “Can” Themba, was born in 1924 in Marabastad, Pretoria, South Africa. After graduating with a degree in English and acquiring a teaching diploma from the University of Fort Hare, he moved to Sophiatown, Johannesburg—a vibrant multi-racial community. Themba then worked as a reporter and an editor at Drum magazine, after winning a short story competition. His writings, including The Suit, won several prizes, including the 1953 Drum award. His stories were celebrated for the way they depicted “… the harsh and depressing conditions of African life in the Johannesburg townships.” Themba left Johannesburg in the early 1960s to teach in Swaziland. While there, Themba’s work was banned and he was declared a statutory communist. He later passed away at the age of 43, reportedly due to alcohol abuse. His work was published posthumously in a collection entitled The Will to Die (1972) and later in The World of Can Themba (1985).
Themba’s work was banned under the cruel restrictions of apartheid in his native South Africa, and he went into exile in Swaziland. He died an alcoholic before his most famous work was adapted for the stage by Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre in the newly liberated South Africa of the 1990s. The production of The Suit premiered in Paris at Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in April, 2012, made its U.S. premiere at BAM in 2013. In his New York Times review of that presentation, Ben Brantley wrote that The Suit “reminds us of the power of fables and myths that transform grim events into raptly told, celebratory tales.”
About OZ Nashville: As the first contemporary arts institution in the region, the arrival of OZ transforms the cultural landscape of Nashville. Through a year-round program of performing and visual arts events, OZ supports the creative explorations of leading artists from around the world and inspire curious audiences of all ages. Nashville’s Ozgener family established the non-profit OZ in the building that once housed their cigar company, C.A.O. Under their leadership, OZ has been transformed into a column-free, 10,000 square-foot performance and installation venue nestled amidst artfully landscaped grounds. In addition to presenting celebrated national and international artists, OZ serves as a catalyst for local creativity. The organization provides a platform for local artists through the monthly TNT (Thursday Night Things) series.
The show’s opening night will have the honor of the French Consul General in Atlanta as one of its VIP guests. “We are really encouraging theater students to please come out to see this show. It’s will be an incredible learning experience for them. We’re also inviting people from our neighboring cities in Memphis, Alabama and Kentucky to come see the show as well,” adds Ms. Snelling.