Pieter-Dirk Uys does drag. Donning wigs, heels and more makeup than an aging Avon saleslady in a "Cirque du Soleil" show, the 60-something South African man transforms into a variety of different women over the course of two hours. As he sashays around the stage in high heels with a grace that most women can only envy, it's obvious that Uys has had a lot of practice. He began performing in South Africa during apartheid, using his characters to satirize the government. Now, 14 years after South Africa's establishment of democracy, Uys is still using humor to critique politicians and the people they govern.
Titled "Elections and Erections," Uys' show has hardly anything to do with drag. Watching a man insert himself into women's clothes is just the tip of the iceberg. And no, the title does not refer to the tendency of morally upright politicians to get involved in sex scandals. Instead, Uys' personal experiences in South Africa gave rise to the show's name.
As Uys wrote in the American Repertory Theatre's (ART) newsletter, "'Elections and Erections' refers to the two things that were illegal during [his] life as a young South African growing up in apartheid Cape Town." The black majority was prevented from voting, and sex between members of different races, along with homosexuality, was illegal.
Despite the show's historical roots, Uys has adapted it to current events. The corruption of African leaders and their blatant disregard of AIDS are now front and center. With the debacle in Zimbabwe and upcoming elections in both South Africa and the United States, Uys' comments on democracy and social change are recast in the light of 2008. He references American candidates several times, and even plays a Hillary-like South African.
The real success of "Elections and Erections" can be found in two characters: Evita Bezuidenhout, who is planning on running for election, and Noel Fine, a white, self-proclaimed Jewish-African princess and member of the African National Congress (ANC). Uys plays each of these outspoken women to perfection. In addition to characters of his own creation, Uys imitates several public figures including Desmond Tutu, Grace Mugabe and Mother Teresa (in heaven). He punctuates these performances with his own monologues, telling the audience of his life in South Africa. Uys keeps reminding himself to stick to drag, but politics seem to have permeated the lives of all of his characters.
The location of the performance greatly affects its relevance. "Elections and Erections" is shown in Cambridge at the Zero Arrow Theater, and the audience is the typical Boston theater crowd: old, moderately wealthy, politically liberal and white. Uys' points are important and need to be made, but ultimately, he's preaching to the choir. The audience knows that apartheid was terrible, AIDS is being ignored, African politics are a mess, George Bush is... George Bush and racism still exists. While Uys' performance does give Americans a brief glimpse into the mindset of South Africans, he fails to give them any new revelations or even a drastically different outlook on the world. And sadly, drag cannot always save the day. Most of Uys' characters are hilarious and effective, but a few turn out to be unconvincing and borderline creepy. Even Uys' best characters are only given brief moments onstage, which keeps the audience from really understanding their perspectives.
Perhaps in reference to drag's place in Cabaret, the Zero Arrow Theater has been transformed into a bar-like setting. Small tables allow audience members to enjoy a beverage with the show, assuming one can enjoy a $2 glass of water or a $5 beer. Those who are willing to spend, at least, will probably like the intimate yet crowded atmosphere.
Elections and Erections
Written by Pieter-Dyrk UysDirected by Pieter-Dyrk UysAt the Zero Arrow Theatre through May 4Tickets $39 to $52
