‘Road to Mecca’ granted an extension
THE Fugard Theatre’s universally acclaimed production of Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca has been extended for one final time due to “overwhelming demand”, say organisers.
Eric Abraham presents this Fugard Theatre production in honour of this playwright’s 85th year, who marked this milestone birthday in June last year.
The play features South African theatre stars Sandra Prinsloo as Miss Helen and Marius Weyers as Rev. Marius Byleveld with young star Emily Child as Elsa Barlow.
Direction is by the Fugard Theatre’s resident director Greg Karvellas (The Fugard’s Shakespeare in Love, The Eulogists, Clybourne Park, The Father, Bad Jews).
The production, which also coincides with 120 years since the birth of artist Helen Martins, who inspired Fugard to write the play, has been hailed as “outstanding”.
Inspired by Martins, who lived in Nieu-Bethesda and created the now-famous The Owl House – which is designated a national heritage site – The Road to Mecca is the story of a woman’s desire for personal and artistic freedom within the narrow confines of a conservative and highly religious community in the Karoo in early ’70s apartheid South Africa.
“The response to this production of The Road to Mecca has been truly phenomenal. We have had seen audiences of all ages, laughing, crying, engaging with the play – everyone from school groups to pensioners, and from locals to people who have travelled all the way from Nieu-Bethesda to see it,” says Daniel Galloway, executive director of the Fugard Theatre.
“We are honoured to have two of our country’s unofficial national treasures, Sandra Prinsloo and Marius Weyers, with the brilliant rising star Emily Child, on our stage.
“I urge people not to miss this final chance to catch this magnificent play.”
The Road to Mecca runs at the Fugard Theatre until May 19.
Tickets cost R130 to R230. Bookings can be made through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554.
There is a 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members.