Theatre: The Moon Looks Delicious From Here
17 October at 12:30
HMS Bloemhof Skoolsaal
Looking back to a time of sociopolitical shifts in South Africa, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here reflects on culture, memories, and moments of painful truth. This one-hander, written and performed by Aldo Brincat and directed by Sjaka Septembir, is humorous but often reflects on the emotions of what it means to belong.
The play tells a story of Brincat’s childhood in Durban during the 1970s and 1980s, linking family memories with the political realities of the time.
Portraying multiple characters – a loving but troubled mother, an idealistic father, and a few family friends – Brincat excellently blends humour and authenticity to bring his characters to life.
The staging works well for a physical theatre play. Brincat uses no props, just his voice and linking rings for transitions between the scenes. The rings connect memory and time, and serve as a remembrance tool.
The audience looked on in awe as Brincat amazingly connected these magic Chinese rings.
Brincat’s characters are executed well, and his facial expressions tell a different story of each character. One can hardly feel that it is the same person portraying the multiple characters.
The music by Bongeziwe Mabandla adds emotional texture and holds the audience’s attention throughout the show.
Aldo Brincat in The Moon Looks Delicious From Here, which he wrote and performed in. It was showcased on 17 October at HMS Bloemhof Skoolsaal. PHOTO: Supplied/Woordfees
Relayed to life
Brincat is firm and comfortable when telling the controversial stories of racism, love, hurt, and the confusion of his youth. The timing is sharp, and Brincat’s ability to shift from humour to reflections keeps the play real and balanced.
Apart from it being a personal story, it encourages the audience to think about how memory shapes who we become. The play carries huge emotional truth, however, the transitions between characters could be smoother, with some scenes feeling slightly rushed.
The lighting could have been used more creatively, but it was beautiful when the stage turned slightly blue as Brincat spoke about a dying flower.
The Moon Looks Delicious From Here makes the audience sit at the edges of their chairs enjoying a gentle play. Brincat’s story about growing up, forgiveness, and the act of remembering turns his own life into something universal, making this unique show truly special.