No light changes. No sound cues. Just an almost bare stage, one chair, a rainbow-colored umbrella, and one performer. That is the visual world of Mike van Graan’s latest satire So Over the Rainbow, performed by Rondo Mpiti-Spies and directed by Dion van Niekerk.
What it feels like, however, is something far more layered. The experience is like a sudden burst of flavor in your mouth. At times sweet, then sharply bitter, and unexpectedly salty. It is a rollercoaster of emotion that makes you laugh, reflect, and at times sit in silence.
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In his signature style, Mike van Graan does not hold back. He confronts the harsh truths of present-day South Africa with clarity and boldness. His script explores what many are afraid to say out loud about a country that feels like it is slipping further away from the promise of its democracy. The satire of So Over the Rainbow cuts deep. It makes you laugh uncontrollably, then feel uneasy for finding humour in what should be tragic. That is the brilliance of the piece. So Over the Rainbow holds up a mirror and invites you to sit with the discomfort.
The story opens with five young South Africans from different backgrounds engaging in a difficult but necessary conversation. They speak about politics, identity, and their place in a fractured society. From there, the narrative unfolds into sharp observations, including commentary on global politics. Even figures like Donald Trump appear, drawing clear parallels between our challenges and those across the world.
What makes this production stand out is the choice to keep it simple. The director, Dion van Niekerk, trusted the text and the performer to carry everything. That decision paid off. The minimalist approach makes the play easy to perform in different spaces, but also demands a lot from the actor. And Rondo Mpiti-Spies rises to the challenge with power and grace.
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A trained theatre and voice-over artist, Rondo delivers a performance that is both subtle and commanding. Each character is distinct. Their voices, their gestures, their emotions are all fully realised. It never feels like a solo show. Rondo fills the stage with people who are not physically present, and the audience believes every moment.
The collaboration between Mike van Graan, Dion van Niekerk, and Rondo Mpiti-Spies results in something truly memorable. The show is funny, honest, and deeply moving. So Over the Rainbow speaks to where we are as a country, but it also reaches beyond that. It is a story that will resonate with anyone, anywhere.
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If there’s anything that could be explored further, it is taking the show to international stages. It is that flawless.
So Over the Rainbow will travel through the EC in the month of June, and make its way to the National Arts Festival. Be sure not to miss it.
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