REVIEW: Dark Noon

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A brutal and rawly authentic re-creation of the wild wide west with a twist

Dark Noon, hosted at Aviva Studio, Factory International is a theatrical tour de force that deftly blends humour, shock, and social commentary to offer a radical perspective on the Wild West and modern America. From the outset, it’s clear that this production is not going to shy away from discomfort, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint in challenging its audience.

The narrative unfolds from the viewpoint of those who were displaced, exploited, and victimised, a perspective rarely given centre stage. With a full cast of South African performers, the production brings a fresh lens to familiar tales, infusing them with a sense of outsider wonder and raw authenticity.

One of the most striking elements is the subversion of traditional portrayals of history and power dynamics. Through inventive staging and storytelling, the production confronts the self-mythologizing tendencies of winners and the harsh realities of capitalism. Scenes like the stealing of cokes becoming a catalyst for change and the genocide of Indigenous peoples depicted as an American football game are both shocking and thought-provoking.

The decision to have the predominantly black South African cast don blond wigs and white face paint raises poignant questions about the presentation of history on stage. Is it a nod to the historical use of blackface in American entertainment, or a critique of the current politically correct culture? The production doesn’t offer easy answers, instead inviting audiences to grapple with the complexities of representation and complicity.

Technically, Dark Noon is a marvel. The seamless integration of multimedia elements adds depth and texture to the storytelling, while attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the production. As a new shallow word literally unfolds in front of you, punctured by the introduction of modern way of transportation, you are invited to think of the transformations of the “land” while they happen in front of you. 

Language also plays a significant role, with many lines not spoken in English, challenging the audience’s understanding and assumptions. This choice forces viewers to confront their own knowledge gaps and biases, underscoring the importance of nuanced storytelling.

At its core, Dark Noon is a bold interrogation of history and its impact on the present. It asks uncomfortable questions about complicity and the ways in which we perpetuate harmful narratives. By defying expectations and embracing discomfort, Tue Biering and Nhlanhla Mahlangu deliver a theatrical experience that is both challenging and essential especially in an American election year.