Uplands College in association with DALRO is proud to present Paul Slabolepszy’s acclaimed play. Set in the summer of 1986, Boo to the Moon recalls an incident which occurs in the lives of five Durban teenagers which will change their lives forever. A car accident on the evening of their Matric Dance leaves them stranded and vulnerable on a deserted highway and the diverse crew is left to fend for themselves.
The leader is the ever-reliable head boy and first team rugby player, Coxie, who has the support of his girlfriend Jessica. She is a prefect and top academic, confident and conformist, but waiting for a moment to rebel. Allie is the class clown and quintessential nerd; the brunt of all the jokes, but all he yearns for is acceptance. Myrtle is the pretty debating champion who knows so many facts but so little about the real world. And lastly, there is the feisty and rebellious Spider, who has only come along for the ride.
Their initial shock gives way to light-hearted banter along with bursts of energy and action which provides an opportunity to confront their insecurities and personal demons. The play embraces themes particularly relevant to teenagers, including peer pressure, sexual attraction, alcohol abuse and, within the political context, impending national service, or the choice to evade it by taking ‘the chicken run’ and emigrating to Australia.
A renowned South African playwright, Paul Slabolepszy has a gift for capturing ordinary South African cameos and transforming them into scenes which writhe with life and meaning. The talented young cast from Uplands College is directed by Devin Möller and promises stellar performances.
Be warned that this play is not for the too-young or the faint-hearted. It is after all, recreating the world of the adolescent. The issues are provocative, the script racy and the language strong. However, the audience will appreciate the belly laughs, share the moments of angst and grapple with the thought-provoking themes which are today, as relevant as ever.