Normality

Normality, a South African one-man play starring Pedro Kruger, is ostensibly an exploration into living with physical disability. Yet the play also questions the nature of ‘normality’; by incorporating the archetypal love story, the performance is able to destabilise perceptions and universalise themes. Outrageously funny at moments, and touching at others, regrettably it does not entirely succeed in balancing comedy with sentiment.

Written by Hennie van Greunen, the play draws on his sister’s experiences of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), a painful disability that restricts movement extensively. Her input is clear in Kruger’s strong physical performance as Alex Miller, and it is easy to believe his declaration that ‘bungee jumping’ for the physically able is like ‘sitting in a chair’ for those with JRA. Miller’s comments on disability are at large politically incorrect, that may offend some.

However, his capacity to communicate what others might be thinking is refreshingly honest. Kruger dexterously switches between roles as he impersonates others that include his Aunt Mavis and the journalist Lisa who he falls in love with. It is in his relationship with Lisa that the audience are able to relate to Miller’s sense of insecurity; after all, who hasn't felt physically inadequate at least once in their life?

Despite Kruger’s capability as a piano player and singer, badly chosen songs overpower thoughtful monologues and exaggerate too strongly the humour of the performance. It is only at the end, when the comedic act is dropped that onlookers’ encounter Normality’s deeply expressive intensity.