‘Shrapnel’: Natalie Gamsu delivers a bittersweet autobiographical monologue

Shrapnel by Natalie Gamsu is perfect entertainment for theatregoers who are tired of attending the same old large-scale productions and yearn to watch a show which is unique and something a little bit more intimate.

Gamsu is a singer, actress and cabaret performer who was born in Namibia. She performed in undergrounds clubs in South Africa during the 1980’s where she was free from the institutionalized racial segregation and racial violence that existed outside the clubs.

She could be whatever she wanted to be within those walls – straight, gay, white or black because the law enforcers who patrolled the clubs didn’t understand satire, so she could have fun with what was going on in the country she loved.

Shrapnel is a one-woman show best described as an autobiographical monologue.  Through Gamsu’s unique style of storytelling with musical interludes, audiences will learn of her experiences from childhood right through to adulthood. It’s a reflection of her family life and the dysfunction and madness that surrounded her.

Her memories come flooding back on stage – the love she had for her maid Maria who was a self-confessed alcoholic, her experiences at boarding school, drama school, her health ailments and her marriage and travels to Australia.

She was told by her agent after leaving drama school that she wouldn’t work until her 30’s or 40s as she wasn’t pretty. It was devastating but this truth led to her knowledge that she’d have to make her own work, hence devising a cabaret act.

These and other reflections from her past are shared with entranced audiences.

There’s silence in the theatre as detailed dark stories of the grief, suffering and violence on the streets of Johannesburg are recounted, but the solemn mood transverses to laughter as Gamsu quickly moves from one memory to the next, alleviating the chance of stagnation settling in.

Audiences will learn that Gamsu loves sharing stories through cabaret and musical theatre. There will be laughter and tears but ultimately many may be moved perhaps because of what is going on in their own lives.

This is a small but remarkable show and the intimate ‘close up and comfortable’ feel of the small venue actually compounds to the allurement and enjoyment factor. The running time of the show is 75 minutes which is substantial.

Theatregoers who have never seen a one-woman show should take the leap. Get out of your comfort zone and come along to a performance of Shrapnel – you may be pleasantly surprised, but hurry as the short season ends this Sunday!

Shrapnel starring Natalie Gamsu
Until Oct 6
Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
www.hayestheatre.com.au