Theatre to keep you grounded

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THIS month, theatre offerings tend to be fewer as theatre-makers are usually rehearsing for the festive season. However, this year, there’s a surge of productions, from light-hearted fare to gritty pieces which grapple with often uncomfortable ideas and issues.

Sean Bovim’s hit tribute rock ’n’ roll ballet, Private Presley – a Salute to the King returns to the Baxter Theatre from Thursday until November 28. The show features over 30 of Elvis Presley’s songs and a superb company of dancers, was sold out when it was last staged in Cape Town in 2013.

This time, “there is a new strength duet in Suspicious Minds. Without giving away too much it has some exciting and dangerous lifts”, said Bovim. He has tweaked the soundtrack to bring Presley’s story into sharper focus. “Johannesburg audiences have told me how easily they are able to understand the plot, which I think is often a struggle in dance-related shows.”

For those who want theatre layered in many directions, there are two plays directed by Chris Weare: Grounded by US playwright George Brant at the Baxter and Cowboy Mouth written by Sam Shepard and rocker Patti Smith at the Rosebank Theatre. Both run until November 28.

Grounded is about a fighter pilot who isn’t considered suitable for combat when she becomes pregnant. It had its South African premiere last December at the Arena Theatre, Hiddingh Campus. If you missed it, now’s your opportunity to see this play, superbly performed by MikkieDene le Roux.

Skye Russell and Clyde Berning star in Cowboy Mouth, about two going-nowhere people disillusioned with the American

Cowboy Mouth. DISILLUSION: Skye Russell and Clyde Berning in

Grounded. SUPERB: Mikkie-Dene le Roux in