Our painful past under stage lights
RANGING from the Republic of the People to testimonies from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, artists and playwrights are delving into our painful past.
Coming to the Market Theatre from Thursday is Ubu and the Truth Commission, a collaboration between artist William Kentridge and the world-renowned Handspring Puppet Company – the creators of the heroes of War Horse, in case you have forgotten.
It is described as a tragi-comedy, a “metaphorical tale of marital betrayal” that gives glimpses into the complexities of apartheid. It combines puppetry, live actors, music, animation and documentary footage drawn from the historical archive of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It runs until September 11.
At Wits Theatre, the students are presenting Smallanyana Skeleton, a parody of a neo-colonial state called the Republic of the People. Handy Andy is a germophobic cleaner in a parliament ridden with lewdness and dubious characters. It runs until September 11.
In Pretoria, the Vavasati International Women’s Festival continues with the theme “Threats Of Women Voices”, dedicated to the women’s march on the Union Buildings in 1956. The 27 days of festival, with theatre, music, poetry, workshops, debates and much more ends on August 27.
Requiem for the Living, a dramatic concert (oratorio) work ensemble composed by South African Dr Rexleigh Bunyard, will have its world premiere next Saturday, August 27, in the Linder auditorium. This performance is dedicated to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A second performance at the ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria the next day, Sunday August 28, is dedicated to the women’s march.
Next Saturday, August 27, the vibrant Mzansi Youth Choir is holding a free concert at the Joburg Theatre, performing hits such as the Hugh Masekela Medley, Circle of Life, Homeless, Pata Pata, African Dream and their new single, Say Africa.
Pretoria’s first Afrikaans festival, the FAK Kunstefees, set to be an annual event, is at the Voortrekker Monument this weekend with a choir festival, rock concert and many leading Afrikaans performers.
At the Studio at Montecasino the Afrikaans season continues with performer Marion Holm sharing tales of the past in Die Kaap is Weer Holms. You have to create your own happiness, she says.
In Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, the musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, takes a hilarious look at love and relationships.
At the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre, three dance companies are joining forces on stage. The Tshwane Dance Company (TDT) is performing with the Cape Dance Company in Impact No 1, a collection of dances from both companies this weekend, and with Moving Into Dance Mophatong in Impact No 2 on Wednesday and Thursday, August 24 to 26.
There’s a bit of eye candy on the way, too, when the Indian boy band Sanam, which started its meteoric rise on YouTube, performs in the Centre Court at Emperor’s Palace next Sunday, August 28. They’re described as the Indian equivalent of One Direction, playing a mix of contemporary pop rock with their distinct blend of Omani and Indian music.
Also at Emperor’s Palace, in the Theatre of Marcellus, is Nataniël’s Mannequin with original songs, surprise versions of songs from the 1960s and 1980s and, as always, sumptuous costumes. We are told it is “a tale of surprise, fear, cruelty, humour, truth and fantasy” in both English and Afrikaans. The show runs until September 25.
Comedian Marc Lottering is giving his own version of life, the universe and everything in Hashtag Marc Lottering at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square until September 17. This is not suitable for children.
At the Market Theatre, the two current shows, Dying Screams of the Moon and Tau, end this Sunday.
For the children, Khokho’s Treasure, telling African stories, is at the National Children’s Theatre until September 4.