Review REMO: A True Story, brave, raw and immediate theatrical testimony

Tonight, February 18, 2025, I was at the Baxter Masambe for the opening of Remo – a true story – written and performed by Rameez Cassiem. It is a “Journey of Resilience, Strength, and Hope”.  This intensely powerful piece is directed by Kim Blanché Adonis. It is produced by Daniel Mpilo May Richards and his production company DMR Productions. On until February 22. Short run.

Rameez (aka REMO) reflects on his life story.  He was in a horror car accident at the age of 19. That was in his matric year.  He was in a coma for a month. His parents were urged to switch off the life support machine. It was the end of his life as he knew it – which included his passion for breakdance. 

He learned to walk and recovered but then he woke up one day with a numb arm. Eventually he was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) with conduction blocks, “a rare and incurable nerve disease that causes progressive muscle weakness.”

It has not been fun and he does not gloss over what he has lived with – but he has lived – with positivity, grace and humour.  His story is beautifully conveyed and doesn’t follow a strictly linear narrative which imbues it with drama.  His ability to laugh and poke fun at himself brings in a light touch and release.

I could hear Rameez but the dialogue is screened behind him on the wall of the theatre.  There was a sign language interpreter tonight. With lightning, surtitles and props, it visually activates the space.

Tender and considered direction by Kim in her directorial debut, with acute attention to detail. For instance, there is a sequence where Rameez dons a peak cap which is emblematic of what he can and can’t do.  Poignant imaging heightens the narrative and underscores the physical movement of Rameez across the stage.  There is tremendous effort in every move he makes and one is aware of his body as conveyer of his story. Rameez is here. He is leaving his tag (as in graffiti art) on the stage (see photo).  He is witnessing his own story, right now.  It is brave, raw and immediate theatrical testimony. He urges us all to make good choices.  Loving and being loved by his wife, Aneeqah and son Idris, keeps him going.  His family is his joy. He treasures them. The take-home is that we should be present in our own lives and treasure what we have. Go and see REMO and be inspired- to live. Beautiful theatre.

✳ Featured image: Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn, February 18, 2025, REMO at the Baxter Masambe, Cape Town.