Extra-Ordinary is a show by a Rhodes alumni, Lucy Hind, and Dave Toole. The production, written by Matthew David Scott and Mark Catley, is a satire. Extra-Ordinary is about a girl who wants to be famous. Lucy is desperate for a lucrative career in dance, but she's just too ordinary: average looking, average talent and average age.
David is extraordinary, famous for his difference and a successful performer of considerable note. But neither are satisfied. Hiding behind how they are perceived by the industry, society and essentially themselves, they struggle with self worth as artists and as people.
Serendipitously the universe has brought them together to make a fully improvised work, right before the audience's eyes. With performance as their tool, they have to find a way to connect with their audience. But Lucy is nervous and David is fed up.
Tired of expectations and swamped with fears, how will the two of them fare? As they expose their innermost fears and foibles, the audience is forced to examine their own perception of beauty and perfection.
Lucy on the performance said "Extra-Ordinary is a show that is very close to our hearts, it is mostly autobiographical and maps our journey to making a new piece of work. It looks at issues of being ‘ordinary' and ‘different' and how able-bodied and disabled-bodied performers and people can find a way to dance together, and ultimately make something honest and beautiful. "
She says as an old Rhodian, “It’s amazing to be back, I can’t stop bragging about how awesome Grahamstown is,” referring to her chats with the crew she is travelling with. This is her first time back in Grahamstown since she graduated in 2003.
While Lucy was at Rhodes she studied her undergrad majoring in psychology and drama; however when the choice came to do honours she chose the drama route. She specialised in choreography and physical theatre.
Discussing fond memories of being caught skinny dipping in the Rhodes pool she said “There’s no other town like this, where you can go out and everyone knows who you are… you feel part of the community.”
She is looking forward to seeing Wombtide - another cast filled with Rhodes alumni, “It’s great to support each other,” she added.
You can catch her show Extra-Ordinary at PJ’s on 20 June 17:00; 21 June 18:00; 21 June 22:30; 22 June 12:30; 25 June 12:30; 25 June 21:00; 26 June 15:00; 27 June 12:30.
Tickets: R45, Students: R38, Friends: R40, Block: R40 / First performance discount: R30
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