When Tonight stole Pranesh Maharaj away from rehearsals for a quick tête-à-tête, he was positively beaming with excitement. And it wasn't because he was getting publicity. He was simply revved up about Spice 'n Stuff, which opens at the Catalina Theatre at Wilson's Wharf tonight.
In the production, penned by Ashwin Singh and directed by Caroline Smart, Maharaj has the huge task of playing three dissimilar characters: Ajith, Shahid and Sagren. But this actor-cum-playwright is far from daunted by the enormous challenge, if anything he is relishing the scope it allows him as an actor.
"Ajith is the most normal of the three characters. Shahid and Sagren are eccentric. Shahid is a foreign national who has settled in the country and Sagren earns his living as a vendor. While Ajith doesn't have a lengthy stage presence like the other two characters, he is integral to the plot," Maharaj reveals.
Spice 'n Stuff is a poignant tale of a group of Grey Street traders. It delves into their daily trials and tribulations as they deal with escalating crime, failing businesses, family relationships and friendships that cut across racial and cultural divides.
Before I could ask whether the play is heavy on the drama, he interjects: "There is a lot of comedy included in the script. It is going to be rip-roaring. Ashwin's design to throw in so many colourful characters to capture the ambience of a bustling Grey Street works."
Having worked with Smart in To House, Maharaj raved about her directing prowess.
"She is the ultimate director to work with: approachable and dignified. Caroline allows the actors to contribute to the production, which is great."
The other actors in the play include Shika Budhoo, Best Actress winner for To House at the Fools Awards, Upasana Beharee (recently bagged a small role in e.tv's Scandal), Shireen van der Wath, Sifiso Simamane, Rubeshen Perumal and Ashwin (Singh).
"I have worked with a lot of them previously, so the relationship is one of togetherness. Everybody always uses the phrase 'one big happy family', and it certainly rings true for us. Given the level of comfort we share with each other, it is easy to go up to someone and ask for help and not have to bypass any egos," he shares.
Aside from To House, Beggar and The Coolie Odyssey, co-writing a few radio dramas, Maharaj has produced a short film titled My African Dream. It is a moving tale about a little boy who dreams of playing at the 2010 Fifa World Cup and will be showcased at the upcoming Durban International Film Festival.
Where to after Spice 'n Stuff ends its run?
"I am planning to hook up with agents in Johannesburg and Cape Town to increase my profile on a national scale. My wish list includes television and then film, absolutely."
- Spice 'n Stuff is on at the Catalina Theatre until Sunday June 3. Show times are Tuesdays until Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 6pm. There are special matinee performances on Saturday, June 2 and June 3.
Tickets cost R60 for adults, R30 for students and pensioners and a buy-one-get-one-free offer runs from tonight until Thursday.
For more information or to book call Thandeka on 031-305-6889.