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Akuna Matata (No Problems) – Cabaret Fringe

Presented by African Youth Theatre and MRC Arts
Reviewed Thursday 23 June 2011

http://www.cabaretfringefestival.com
http://www.nexus.asn.au

Venue: Nexus Cabaret, Lion Arts Centre, cnr Morphett Road & North Terrace, Adelaide
Season: 23, 24, 26 June at 7pm
Duration: 60mins
Tickets: $15/conc $10
Bookings: BASS 131 241 or http://www.bass.net.au

A cast of seven young Africans present an amateur variety hour showcasing primarily western entertainment for an anglo audience. It’s a short night of good chuckles, despite distorted sound and a clear need for a director to tighten things up.

Multi-talented Shredic opens the night with a song to rev up the audience before taking on the minor role of the husband in a comedy skit starring most of the ensemble. The skit centres around actress Awit as the wife, whose home is invaded by unexpected suitors and friends after her husband leaves for work. As the house gets fuller, she frantically tries to hide everyone before her husband returns home.

With some good one liners and some nice farcical comedy, poor direction lets some of the action and dialogue flounder instead of zipping along like it should.

Sweet voiced AJ sings “Forever Young” but really hits his stride in an up tempo bilingual number.

The Black Prince Charles provides some raw but witty stand up comedy centring primarily on Aussie slang and the misunderstandings it can cause.

There’s too much backstage talking and not enough on-stage energy for Akuna Matata to reach its full potential, primarily from seemingly not having anyone at the helm. Even so, there are laughs to be had, the songs are good, and any festival Fringe should be about getting out and having a go.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.

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