Lisa se Klavier: A heartfelt flop

By Rochelle Thomas

Lisa, a woman shrouded in mystery. Everyone is taken by her, it seems.

When Koos Kombuis wrote: “Ja, die hele wêreld word stil / En luister in die donker uur / Na die naggeluide / Van Lisa se klavier”

He meant it from the heart, and it came to be one of his most popular hits.

In the music video, he sits smoking a cigarette. He bears no other expression, except what comes across as deep devastation, or regret. Enveloped in darkness, only half his face is visible as he looks you square in the eye.

He’s beginning his story – listen.

He uses beautiful poetry to describe Lisa, melodically creating images in the minds eye to paint her in an ethereal light. It feels as if you have walked into a memory, previously hidden in a dark crevice, only now seeing the light of day. Lisa is in a velvet dress, her eyes shut as she plays slowly, expertly.

Kombuis evokes emotion, taking us on a journey, leaving us wondering, who is this Lisa who has become “elke boemelaar se droom”?

So much heartfelt imagery from a simple setting, the love and nostalgia displayed in the music video left me with a longing to know more about the mysterious relationship between Koos and Lisa.

But now, in 2020, we seem to be struggling with the concept of simplicity. Ian Strauss’s cover, which is on the virtual National Art Festival Fringe programme, crosses the line into melodrama, replete with poet blouse and the lone burning candle.

Strauss’s version of the popular love song leaves much to be desired. A dolled-up, tousled-haired “Lisa” dramatically bashes away at the piano keys, making way for the image of Strauss himself standing somewhat proudly in a corner with his arms outstretched. He feigns the image of contentment as he begins to perform, and proceeds to overdo every movement, heightening insincerity.

While he speaks it to us – not offering much in the way of melody or passion (although, an attempt for passion was made) no real emotion surfaces. He’s always smiling, which creates a strange disconnect between his expression and what is being expressed. The musician/actress playing Lisa does not have the calm or free-spirited air the song attributes to her. In fact, she is largely unapproachable. I almost feel the urge to nervously laugh to break all the unintended tension.

A lot could have been fixed before the final edit. For instance, the lighting did not have to be a medieval yellow. Lisa could have been less of a show queen and Strauss could have cut back the theatrics and focused on emotion.

With the bar set so high by unique singers such as Dozi and Laurika Rauch, one cannot help but be disappointed. Strauss tries hard, but for someone who has experienced the song in its original form – this cover needs to be forgotten in order not to destroy something quite wonderful.

The show is on the vFringe programme here.

Production Credits:

Music video: Shot and edited by Ian Strauss

Musician at piano: unknown

This is a cover of an original song by Koos Kombuis.