One Man Stand

4.59 (11)

One Man Stand

4 performances between April 15, 2019 and April 18, 2019
Comedy
Presented by Authentik Productions • Written & performed by Dennis Stander • Produced by Nic Leonidas • Directed by Nic Leonidas & Dennis Stander • Music Directed by Adrian Williams
60mins
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Told with humour and pathos, this show is a man’s search for his self-identity and the many paths it leads him down. He develops an obsession with the stage and the mirror at a tender age, and at high school he experiments with cigarettes and the bitter sweet taste of alcohol. Without the guidance of his teachers and classmates he becomes a menace to society. Unable to sustain a job because of his TIK (Crystal meth) addiction, the end of the road seems to have come much sooner than he expected. Where does he draw the line? The voices ring in his ears, “Kill!!! Die!!!” How does this tragicomedy end? Is there the silence of defeat or are we left with a song of hope?

Biographies:
Dennis Stander was born in the seventies and grew up on the Cape Flats. He embraced acting from a young age by performing in plays at his local church and found his passion for the stage.

Later in life he got caught up with the scourges of society and became enslaved to alcohol and drugs for years. His travels in life found him completing his Drama Studies at CADA in Cape Town which allowed him to achieve his Honours in Speech and Drama. Having been distracted by his compulsive drive to live on the edge, he found himself addicted to "tik" (crystal meth) for three years. His life almost came to an end when he was faced with a choice to either commit suicide or choose to live.

He shares his message of suffering, hope, peace and love in the form of comedy, song and dance. His personal message: "There is hope for the hopeless, peace for those at war with themselves and society, and love to those who feel hated. Life is filled with choices, the choice is yours."

Adrian Williams was born on the Cape Flats, South Africa. His musical experience spans over 20 years, both in the recording industry and playing professionally as a multi-instrumentalist (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums and Vocalist). He spent the last 25 years, working with some of the best South African artists including The Rockets, Malaika, Simphiwe Dhana, Lebo Mathosa, Allou April, Robbie Jansen, Jabu Khanyele and Bayete and Danny K, and gained extensive experience within the music industry in South Africa and abroad. He also shared the stage with various international artists such as Will Smith, Brian Mei (Queen), Katie Maloua and Johnny Clegg on one of the 46664 concerts.

As an artist he had the opportunity to travel extensively locally and abroad and is currently involved with writing, producing and recording different artist in studio under his recording label Simplicity Productions.

Audience Responses

A truly thought provoking production. A wonderful performance. I was captured from beginning to end!!!

Dana • Attended April 15, 2019, 7 p.m.
5.0

Hilarious at times and thought provoking. Dennis Stander's voice is off the hook! He's easy switch in characters is great to see. An actor/artist /vocalist extraordinaire.... Loved the audience interaction.

Shereen • Attended April 18, 2019, 7 p.m.
5.0

Dennis (and Adrian) are lovely, with great moments that are funny and moving and well observed. I think the script needs work though. I was never sure what the direction of it was. Many ideas are introduced but not followed through. I think a trip back to the script would be a great idea. Lots of potential here.

Megan • Attended April 15, 2019, 7 p.m.
3.0

Loved it! Thr energy, soulful sharing of an intensely personal story, and the humour and pathos. I laughed and cried.

Monique • Attended April 17, 2019, 7 p.m.
4.0

Great show. Dennis is very professional and inspiring. Very gripping story and extremely funny. A must see for anyone.

Elroy • Attended April 17, 2019, 7 p.m.
5.0

It is a realistic life journey, especially for people who have grown up on the cape flats. It was a great performance, I found myself smiling and singing along throughout the play. Well done Dennis!

Shahana • Attended April 16, 2019, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent, relevant and very funny.

Lynn • Attended April 18, 2019, 7 p.m.
5.0

Awesome show. Emotional roller coaster. Laughed so much, will definitely watch it again.