THEATRE ON THE BAY
THE renovation of the Theatre on the Bay has left a gap in the Cape Town scene.
Before we go into what audiences can expect with the theatre, let’s talk about the play, The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time, which presents another coup for Toerien – one of many since he started his career as a producer when ,at the age of 18, he brought Marlene Dietrich to South Africa.
Toerien saw Curious Dog in London in 2102, shortly after it opened at the National Theatre. He considered bringing the National’s production to this country but with a cast of 10, the costs were insurmountable.
The National subsequently agreed to award him the rights and here we are – about to see this hit play which won seven Olivier Awards (2013) and five Tonys (2015). Critics have described it as “thrilling”, “magical”, “transformative”. The Times in the UK enthused that it is “a phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle.”
After the opening season of the Theatre on the Bay (September 22 to November 3), the production will transfer to Joburg to Toerien’s Montecasino (November 7 to December 2). South African director/ producer, Paul Warwick Griffin – who is based in London – is returning home to direct.
The play was adapted by playwright Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The prize winning book (it won 17 major literacy awards) pivots around 15-year-old Christopher who is under suspicion of killing Wellington – a dog. Christopher has been positioned on the curve of Asperger’s syndrome but Haddon has been quoted, saying that he prefers Christopher’s depiction of himself in the book as “someone who has Behavioural Problems”. Christopher sets about investigating the “curious incident”. The book is a poignant and humorous ridedetective caper, mediation on transcending labels and an evocative coming-of-age story. The cast of 10 features an ensemble of South African artists. The principles: Kai Brummer (as the boy, Christopher Boone), Lesoke Seabe (Siobhan – the school teacher who is the narrator), Jenny Stead and Ashley Dowds (Christopher’s parents). The other players are Genna Galloway, Kate Normington, Nicholas Ellenbogen, Liz Syzmczak, Dylan Edy and Clayton Evertson. The National has given latitude for Toerien to commission music, set and costumes. Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, in association with Griffin, has composed the soundscape/score, and set and costumes are by Tina Driedijk. In reviews of the play, it has been noted that the role of the school teacher/narrator is pivotal. She becomes the voice of Christopher and is a conduit between him and the audience. Brummer and Seabe are extraordinarily nuanced actors who climb into the skin of their characters. Toerien said it had been challenging to cast. Actors are busy with films, TV, series, and voice-over work. Theatre pays less and who wants to give up six weeks, when you are a star on TV? But they persevered and the cast looks brilliant.
Evertson, 32, is a TV star of series like Shooting Stars.
Toerien is thrilled to be parenting this play: “It is an important play, dealing with issues which we can relate to. It’s not easy to find great writing – new plays for theatre –with writing like this.”
The Theatre on the Bay has been given a makeover: new floor in the foyer (marble). The stone cladding in the theatre auditorium has been removed. The draped curtain dingus framing the stage is gone. New plush seats.
A row of seats has been removed from the upstairs gallery to provide access seats on the far side. That is the cosmetic stuff. Major structural work has been done – but it won’t be visually obvious.
The major change is that the ceiling in the theatre auditorium has been removed and. in the process, the height of the celling has been lowered. This has facilitated better acoustics.
The ceiling was one of the last remaining fractures of the original 1940s building which was once a cinema (The Alvin).
The ceiling was asbestos and Toerien was keen to get rid of (safely).
Lowering of the ceiling has made space to accommodate a rehearsal studio on the upper level for the new performing arts school – LAMTA – which opens next year.
The theatre will be looking sleek and toned.
Toerien has also moved the sound/tech box to the back middle of the auditorium – it was previously on the right, facing the stage.
Now, two private boxes – with four seats each – have been added on either side of the tech box. Celebrities and those who want to be incognito will want to grab these boxes. You can duck in at last minute as it is at the back. But it is open game. Currently the ticket prices are the same as the rest of the house.
The only proviso is that you have to buy all four.
It’s a great venue to host a party of four or two – with your wine, sushi, etc.
It’s hipster, glam and quirky. With the revamped restaurant (Sidedish), excellent cappuccino (Origin) and nibbles in the coffee shop, the Theatre on the Bay, is here to usher in summer.
Show times: At the Theatre on the Bay, (September 22 to November 3). Tickets R140-R240.
It then transfers to Montecasino, Johannesburg (November 7 to December 2). Tickets are R100-R240. Bookings at Computicket or the theatre box offices.