‘An Unromantic Comedy’ explores love through laughter at the Baxter
You know how relationships can sometimes feel like a comedy of errors?
Well, “An Unromantic Comedy” takes that feeling and runs with it -straight into a night of awkward confrontations, hilarious misunderstandings and brutal honesty.
This laugh-out-loud play, written by Rosalind Butler and directed by Craig Freimond, hits the Baxter Studio stage in February.
If you've ever been caught in the crossfire of love, betrayal or a messy situationship, this one's for you. It's sharp, funny and oh-so-relatable, especially when you're trying to figure out if love is ever really enough.
The play stars Awethu Hleli, Lyle October and Tamzin Williams, who are all familiar faces from stand-out Baxter productions like “Metamorphoses,” “Neighbourhood,” “Trouble in Mind,” and “Othello.”
Set in a chic Cape Town loft, the story unfolds over a single, tension-filled evening. It begins with an accidental text message that leads Robin (Tamzin Williams), Jason’s (Lyle October) ex-fiancée, to arrive unexpectedly for dinner.
Jason, still guilty from his past infidelity with Robin’s best friend Nonhle (Awethu Hleli), is caught off guard. Things take a turn for the worse when Nonhle - Jason’s intended guest for the evening - shows up.
What follows is a rollercoaster of witty dialogue, simmering tension and biting humour. The trio is forced to confront questions about fidelity, friendship and whether love is ever truly enough.
With Robin’s ticking biological clock, Jason’s fear of commitment and the awkward betrayal lingering in the air, the evening is anything but romantic.
When “An Unromantic Comedy” first premiered in 2014, it earned rave reviews. “The Daily Maverick” called it “a little gem… lovely from the start,” while “Business Day” described it as “tart, smart and savagely funny.”
Butler’s knack for capturing relationships with quirky humour has long resonated with South African audiences. Her previous play, “Expelled,” also directed by Freimond, enjoyed a successful run at the Baxter last year.
Her work extends to television, where she contributed to the Emmy-nominated series, “Home Affairs”.
Meanwhile, Freimond, a celebrated South African writer and director, brings his seasoned expertise to this production.
Known for acclaimed plays like “The King of Laughter” and “Gums & Noses” as well as hit films like “Material” and “Beyond the River,” he has a knack for blending comedy and emotional depth.
Where: The Baxter Studio at the Baxter Theatre Centre.
When: Runs from Tuesday, February 4, with evening shows at 8pm and Saturday matinees at 3pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R190 - R240 and be purchased through Webtickets.
Lorin Sookool Presents: “Woza Wenties!” and “3 Mense Phakathi”
Lorin Sookool is set to present a powerful double bill at the Artscape Theatre Company in February, showcasing two evocative works that explore identity, power and resistance in contemporary South Africa.
The performance will feature “Woza Wenties!” and “3 Mense Phakathi”, both of which delve deep into themes of self-discovery, societal dynamics and empowerment.
“Woza Wenties!” is a semi-autobiographical solo that allows Sookool to express her personal journey as a woman of colour from Wentworth, Durban.
Through innovative dance, she confronts the erasure of black experiences shaped by colonial history, reclaiming her narrative with each movement.
The piece offers a raw and intimate reflection of Sookool’s identity, as she challenges societal norms and redefines what it means to be a black woman in South Africa today.
On the other hand, “3 Mense Phakathi” presents a trio of dancers who explore the complex power dynamics within South African society.
Through their movements, the work highlights the human struggle for agency, visibility and empowerment in a post-apartheid context.
The dancers take on roles that represent both the oppression and the resilience inherent in the fight for equality.
Together, the three performers embody the call for change, highlighting the importance of visibility and the assertion of one's humanity in a society still grappling with its historical injustices.
Where: The Artscape Theatre.
When: From February 6 to 8. All shows start at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R170 and R200 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
“To Life, With Love”
John Maytham, renowned Cape Talk presenter and trained actor, returns to the stage with “To Life, With Love,” a poignant one-man play penned by acclaimed playwright Mike van Graan and directed by Josh Lindberg.
Van Graan, known for his socially relevant and intriguing works like "Green Man Flashing" and "Brothers in Blood," crafts a story that is both intimate and universal, challenging viewers to confront their own perspectives on life, death and purpose.
In "To Life, With Love," Maytham portrays Thomas Faulkner, a man in his 60s who has lived a full and complex life—filled with love, professional success
and loss. When Thomas is diagnosed with a serious illness, he is faced with a stark reminder of his mortality. However, rather than succumbing to despair, he reflects on the years ahead and makes conscious decisions about how to live with intention and joy.
Where: The Innovation Lounge at the Artscape Theatre Company.
When: Runs from Monday, February 3. All shows at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R150 and R180 and can be purchased through Webtickets.