They would never have met... but their friendship changes lives

The emotionally layered, poignant two hander drama about a wheelchair-bound former dancer and his youthful carer, Callum’s Will, is being restaged for a short run at Durban’s Seabrooke’s Theatre from October 29 until November 2.  

Set in present day London, Callum’s Will was created for actor Darren King by playwright, director, actress and film maker, Janna Ramos Violante. Originally performed by King and Clinton Small, it was first presented at the I Heart Durban Festival in 2011 and was directed by Violante.

The production went to Grahamstown National Arts Festival in July 2012 and The Witness Hilton Arts Festival in September 2012. It had a short run at the Seabrook’s Theatre in October 2013 and at the University of Johannesburg theatre.

Now 14 years on Darren King is excited to revisit this piece under the direction of Blessing Xaba. The role of Will is now to be played by Johannesburg based actor Tafara Nyatsanza. Xaba has reworked the script to bring it up to date and touch on some of the more relevant issues faced in today’s changing world.

The story still stays true to its driving themes the surprising relationship that develops between Callum Griffith, an ex professional ballet dancer now confined to a wheelchair after a freak accident and Will an unlikely boy Friday hired by Callum to run errands for him three times a week. Will a Zimbabwean ex-pat, has big dreams hidden behind his bad boy image. The driving force of this piece is the relationship that develops between this mismatched pair, who under any other circumstances would never have met, let alone formed a friendship that would change their lives forever.

The magic of Janna Ramos Violante’s writing is in the unspoken and beautifully held silences between this unlikely duo each dealing with their own inner demons.

Catch it at the Seabrooks Theatre, DHS from October 29 to November 2 at 7.30pm Wednesday to Saturday and 3pm and 6.30pm on Sunday. There is one performance scheduled for Thursday at 12pm for schools. Tickets R150/ R100 for students and pensioners from Darren King on 082 324 1709.

Tafara Nyatsanza and Darren King in the play Callum's Will. Pix Val Adamson