Uiras shines in ‘The First Year’

HOME, love and university life collide in Ujandja Tjikuzu Veii’s ‘The First Year’. A wholesome dramedy staged at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) last week.

Starring a sensational Chantell Uiras in the role of embittered cleaning lady as well as Adriano Visagie, Glen-nora Tjipura, Tove Kangotue, Izanne Smith, Jenny Kandenge and Melgisedek Nehemia as the eponymous first years, the play debuted to a charmed audience who were most enthusiastic about Uiras.

Playing the eavesdropping, snarling Helena with wonderful comic timing and a wealth of hilarious reaction expressions, Uiras stole the show from just shy of the wings as a real life cautionary tale appraising the first years’ love triangles, group work drama and squabbles with parents in scathing asides and derisive soliloquy.

Head and shoulders above the ensemble cast whose superficial storylines added to the feeling that Helena’s story would have made for a far more compelling 40 minutes buoyed by a strong central performance, Uiras seemed to be in a league of her own when juxtaposed with largely vapid and hammy turns from her cast mates. Save a convincing performance from Kangotue and suitably villainous and amusing appearances by Smith.

Odd in its inclusion of a random dance number that did little to push the narrative forward and fairly juvenile in its treatment of the blossoming love between its protagonists, the play would have benefitted from a dash of maturity and some severity of conflict.

Saddled with rushed character arcs and determined to come through with a happy ending, the play was entertaining enough but failed to deliver anything truly memorable.

Still, writer and director Veii shows promise. Serving up some sparkling lines and directing a six-man cast with skill on a one-location stage designed by her NTN Theatre Zone mentor David Ndjavera, Veii certainly has theatre talent worth developing and must be commended for casting Uiras who elevated the play with every aside.

Watch Veii’s space for more from the Ministry of Health human resource practitioner turned playwright and keep a keen eye on an outstanding Uiras.

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.