Review by Dion van Niekerk

If you’re looking for theatre with bite, you absolutely must see Breed. This is Ubom! doing what they do so well, creating ensemble work, telling original South African stories and enthusing the stage with the energy of performers who clearly love what they’re doing. All that and an irresistible Janet and Andrew Buckland partnership adding extra bark to that bite.

Breed’s plot and themes are not uncommon in contemporary South African theatre. A longing for reconciliation born out of personal loss and grief is also at the heart of, say, Karoo Moose. And, like Karoo Moose, the central metaphor is a beastly one that points towards an inarticulable animal rage that, if loosened, has the potential to destroy the hardiest of souls.

But don’t imagine that this is all about the angst. Oh no! Janet Buckland would never allow that. In her hands the play glitters with a performative humour that is compelling for its intelligence and playfulness. And just when you think that clown prince Andrew is going to steal the show, a cast of lesser experienced performers rises to the challenge and serves up a plateful of beautifully crafted characters that make you tjank with delight. Hats off to the hapless but determined postman, the Beyonce wannabe and her fellow squatters, and the Big Mama we all wish we had. And I think I must make special mention of a certain flesh-eating, Bach-loving villain who breeds knee-quaking fear without actually ever making an appearance.

The show has some rough edges – what festival show doesn’t? But the company is way too accomplished to leave the audience feeling anything other than totally satisfied, as if one had just experienced an unassuming yet deeply moving violin recital.

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