Multilingual play ‘Neighbourhood’ sheds light on SA's housing struggles
|Published
Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni, an award-winning playwright and director, is set to captivate audiences with her latest play, “Neighbourhood”. Commissioned by the Baxter Theatre, this production highlights the urgent issue of affordable housing in financial, commercial and residential areas.
The show promises to a thought-provoking and powerful theatrical experience.
Performed in English, Sepedi, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans, this multilingual play highlights the linguistic diversity of South Africa. Mashifane wa Noni, who won the 2024 Fleur du Cap Award for the Best New South African Script for her dark comedy-drama, “Delela”, has written and directed “Neighbourhood”.
It features a talented cast from the Baxter's Fires Burning company, including Awethu Hleli, Carlo Daniels, Lyle October, Nolufefe Ntshuntshe, Tamzin Williams, Carla Smith and Jock Kleynhan.
The play is set in two fictional neighbourhood: Lindela, an informal settlement and Everwood, an upper-middle-class suburb. The story follows the intricate relationship between these communities as Lindela residents travel to Everwood daily as they seek better job opportunities and quality education.
However, tensions rise when Lindela residents, frustrated by the lack of affordable housing in Everwood, decide to move into the suburb, becoming neighbours to those they serve.
Mashifane wa Noni's storytelling technique involves crafting a fictional narrative from various non-fictional sources. Her research process, spanning several months, included traditional media, social media, interviews and submissions from everyday South Africans. Her sources also included individuals who have lost their homes and are striving to rebuild their lives.
Through “Neighbourhood”, she highlights the pressing issue of affordable housing and the socio-economic disparities in urban environments.
Her narrative interweaves the stories of marginalised individuals and communities, bringing attention to their resilience and determination to create a better future. The play invites audiences to reflect on the broader implications of housing inequality and the need for systemic change.
Where: The Baxter Studio at The Baxter Theatre Centre in Rondebosch.
When: From Friday, August 2, until August 24. All shows start at 8pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R150 and can be purchased from Webtickets.
“Birthing Nureyev”
Leftfoot Productions, in collaboration with Andrew Steyn, is set to present their latest theatrical dance production, “Birthing Nureyev”.
This show comes hot on the heels of the success of the duo’s previous production, “Nijinsky’s War”.
“Birthing Nureyev” is written by award-winning playwright, Henk Heymans and features choreography by Ignatius Van Heerden, who also stars in the production.
Directed by Andre' Odendaal, this dance-infused theatrical piece explores the dramatic life of Russia’s greatest dancer, Rudolf Nureyev. The production is the third instalment of Leftfoot Productions’ series which focuses on influential dancers across the globe.
The play, which originally premiered at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in 2019, has been praised for its compelling portrayal of Nureyev’s life. It centres on his dramatic escape from Russia on June 16, 1961, when he eluded his handlers to defect to the West.
The production contrasts the KGB’s (Russia’s Committee for State Security) attempts to sabotage his career from behind the Iron Curtain with his remarkable success in the West.
Despite his fame and achievements, Nureyev faced profound personal struggles, including being denounced by his home country and charged with high treason. The production delves into the emotional toll of his alienation from loved ones and his country.
The creative team behind “Birthing Nureyev” also includes set designer Kosie Smit and audiovisual designer Naret Loots. The performance will run for approximately 60 minutes, offering a poignant and dramatic exploration of Nureyev's life and legacy.
Where: The Drama Factory in Somerset West.
When: Saturday, August, at 4pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R200 and are available through the Drama Factory’s website
“Disaster! - The Musical”
“Disaster! The Musical”, which will be presented by the ALAS Academy of Performing Arts, is set to light up the historic Masque Theatre in Muizenberg.
After the success of “Return to the Forbidden Planet” in 2023, the ALAS Academy returns with this 1970s-themed jukebox musical comedy by Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick.
The plot centres around a floating casino and a nightclub which faces a series of calamities which are reminiscent of the iconic ‘70s disaster films, including “The Poseidon Adventure”, “Earthquake” and “Inferno”.
What starts as a night of disco excitement quickly turns into chaos as the ship encounters fires, tremors and even killer rats. Amidst the pandemonium, the characters struggle to survive and possibly rekindle lost romances.
Expect a night brimming with laughter, catchy ‘70s tunes, energetic dance moves and feel-good chaos. The show promises a fun-filled evening with a soundtrack of disco hits and comedic drama.
Where: The Masque Theatre in Muizenberg.
When: Friday, August 2, at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R115 and can be purchased from Quicket.