Review: Evocative EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING at Baxter Theatre Centre Cannot Be Missed

Magnet Theatre's award-winning EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING returns over a decade later after its initial creation in 2006. Speaking to themes of human resilience, injustice and imagination, the heart-wrenching tornado of emotion EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING leaves one with is nothing short of poignant brilliance in theatre.

What starts as a slightly slow tale of an idyllic African sisterhood soon turns traumatic in the first third of the play. The sensory effects of plot twists continue throughout the 70 minute production as audience members are taken along a compelling journey of two main characters.

Some of EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING is relatable, but surprisingly a lot of the dialogue in the play is French - with only a small portion being translated. This is cleverly done in that it adds to the sense of "otherness" that parades the entire story. It also allows for the main characters to get plotlines and backgrounds through the use of more physical theatre and translucent emotion. Director Mark Fleishman has done an exceptional job to neatly glue together every aspect of this play. From the characterizations to use of space to technical effects, it is evident a lot of care and respect has gone into approaching this powerful drama.

Jennie Reznek and Faniswa Yisa are a force to be reckoned with at the helm of this two-women production. Reznek, in a patterned turban and carrying white kitten heels, is mostly in the role of Mama. Her daughter Aggie is portrayed by Yisa, holding small child's ballet slip-on shoes and creates an incredible display of innocence in her character from the opening. In their plain white clothes and subtle costume additions, the two take on multiple characters in their physical and vocal shifts.

The way these two actresses interact with each other physically glides like a well-choreographed piece of dance that is moving to watch. Credit goes to Ina Wichterich for creating such pleasing pieces. Reznek and Yisa's emotional play-off with one another also leaves one feeling that no one else could have taken on the title roles. Reznek draws the attention as she is slightly more physically vulnerable throughout the production, whereas Yisa's emotive eyes give her a depth to the performance that had a large number of audience members sobbing after curtain call.

It's hard to believe that set and costume design is done by our very own SuzelleDIY Julia Anastasopoulos; as understated as the design is. There is definitely a certain element of "DIY", and the ingenuity in which props are used literally and metaphorically is strong throughout. Original music by Neo Muyanga hauls audience members along with the emotion of the play, as it is both comforting, distressing and nostalgic at the appropriate times. Last but not least lighting design by Daniel Galloway is expertly plotted and pulled off.

Originally created 13 years ago, EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING remains a powerful production with local and international relevance. The metaphorical tale of a fence going up between an elephant and her herd draws up images of America's looming border wall plans, and the story as a whole speaks volumes for the current worldwide refugee crisis.

EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING is the definition of a must-see piece of theatre.

Photo credit: Hennie Coetzee

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EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING will be performed at Baxter Flipside until 13 April 2019 at 7.30pm nightly. There are matinee performances on 11 April at 11am and at 3pm on Saturday 13 April. There is an age restriction of 10 years. Ticket prices range from R50 to R150. Booking is now open at Webtickets on 086 111 0005, online at www.webtickets.co.za or from selected Pick n Pay stores.