Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
Preparing for her directorial debut, budding director Amy Murrell is set to stage the comedy, The Play That Went Wrong, at the Bulawayo Theatre from 14 to 23 May.
With a theme of chaos and things going off track, the production places unique demands on a director, requiring quick thinking, adaptability and strong co-ordination as the story unfolds.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Murrell, who developed an interest in theatre and decided to try her hand at directing, outlined her vision for bringing the production to life. Below is the interview.
The Play That Went Wrong is a comedic murder mystery that works as a play within a play. It follows a drama society staging the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, a classic whodunit in which the owner of the manor has been killed during his engagement party, and a local inspector is called in to uncover the culprit. While the inner play is meant to be serious, the comedy comes from everything going wrong during the performance. The drama society is faced with a low budget and inexperienced actors, leading to mispronounced lines, mistimed entrances, misplaced props and a set that constantly falls apart. Despite the chaos, the group pushes through, determined to deliver a full performance for their audience.
I came across clips of the production staged by theatres overseas and immediately fell in love with it. It has the feel of a classic murder mystery, but with a strong layer of comedy that I had never seen before. That is what inspired me to choose it for my directorial debut. Some people told me I was taking on too much because it is a very complex show. But I was confident that with the help of my fellow thespians, and the time and energy we have invested in rehearsals, we will deliver a spectacular production.
The rehearsals have been going incredibly well. As a director, I have been blessed with an amazing cast whose passion and drive have really brought this production to life. Of course, we have run into a few speed bumps along the way, as is expected with any production but we have pushed through them. I am confident this will be a phenomenal show.
Q: How long does the production intend to run for?
A: The show will run for six days with a total of eight shows.
Q: Are there plans to take the production to other cities, regions or countries?
A: As of now, there are no plans to take the production anywhere else except for where it will be cast at the Bulawayo Theatre.
Q: What sort of audience is the production for?
A: The Play That Went Wrong is designed for a broad, family-friendly audience looking for escapist, laugh-out-loud comedy and is generally recommended for ages eight and above. It is especially popular with fans of physical comedy and slapstick humour. While it is geared towards adults, it is widely considered suitable for all ages. The production also serves as a strong introduction to theatre for those who may find traditional plays less engaging, offering a high-energy, smart yet deliberately silly experience.
