“Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!”
“Look behind you! Remember that you are but a man!
Remember that you must die!”
DUT to stage whimsical new work by Penny Youngleson, Memento Mori.
Courtyard Theatre, DUT: 17, 18, 19 Oct
Durban theatre-maker, Penny Youngleson, has created Memento Mori, with DUT Drama and Production and Performing Technology students – a magnificent ambitious new work for young audiences – which will be premiered at the Courtyard Theatre at DUT having a short three day run opening on Thursday 17 October.
This sumptuous production, based on a children’s book by Youngleson of the same name, will be a magical, sensory feast – featuring set design by Nel van der Merwe and overall fabrication of costumes, props and set by Anne and Penny Youngleson and the backstage students of the new Higher Certificate program at DUT. The story is home to an enchanting array of characters; elements of Midsummer Night’s Dream type whimsy combined with vintage story-book-inspired imaginative design set to beautiful music. The texture of the play combines the lightness of organza with the colours of faded velvet so that audiences feel they have discovered a forgotten book at the back of the library, which is being opened for the first time in ages.
In her new work, Youngleson tackles a difficult subject: mortality. Her production celebrates the wonder of life, the power of love, and joy of human connection, understanding that our time on earth is fleeting and should be enjoyed to its absolute fullest.
“Memento Mori is a useful tool for explaining death and illness to children, as well as a contemplation for adults to be reminded of their own impermanence. Above all, it is a hopeful story that can be watched by anyone,” explains Youngleson.
From meddling mushrooms and arguing hourglasses to dastardly apothecaries and flirtatious (and loquacious) purple-crested Loeries, this production will appeal to every member of the family: particularly those who are familiar with the flora and fauna of KwaZulu-Natal.
Tempus Fugit (time flies) is a clockmaker, inventor and fixer of things. And he is kind and curious and everything he does brings joy to the people around him. His neighbour, EtVita Brevis (life is short), lives in the kaleidoscopic cottage next to his barrow… and while she is a little anxious, she is also Tempest’s best friend and biggest supporter. And between them, there is a garden full of flowers and wildlife where their love for stories grows.
One morning, Tempest goes to market and doesn’t come back. The birds that usually come to visit them start to ask questions: where is he? Will he return? And what will EtVita do without him? EtVita is overwhelmed and scared and doesn’t know where her precious friend has disappeared to.
But two little house sparrows and a dandelion weed (some of the most drab and commonplace residents of the garden) remind Tempest and EtVita that a change of season brings new meaning to the soil in which we all grow.
Penelope Youngleson is a Fleur du Cap and Gold Standard Bank Ovation award-winning theatre maker, designer, writer, activist and educator based at the Durban University of Technology in Durban.
Good to Know
DUT Courtyard Theatre: 51 Steve Biko Rd, Musgrave, Durban.
Guarded, off-road parking available on site.
Show times – Thursday 17, Friday 18 at 6pm; Saturday 19 at 11am.
Tickets: R 50 pp and students, pensioners and children R 20
Available through secretary Bawinile at 031 373 2194, email: BawinileM1@dut.ac.za
or at the door.
“Respice Post Te! Hominem Te Esse Memento! Memento Mori!”
