IF YOU haven’t had a chance to catch “Swingin’ Las Vegas” at The Teatro, Montecasino, you have until Saturday. To date, those who have seen the show can’t stop raving about it.
An upcoming production worth mentioning is “Actress” at the Redhill Arts Festival.
This must-see production stars Talia Kodesh, who also shares the story credits with Bruce Dennill. Daniel Geddes directs it and sees Nathan Ro cast as the Random Props Guy.
“Actress” was staged at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino last year and received high praise from critics and theatregoers alike.
It also bagged best new musical or play from Broadway World South Africa and a Naledi Theatre award for best female lead performance in a musical.
The play is set in New York and South Africa and follows the protagonist on her journey, which is laden with various emotions from stressful situations to success. It is filled with tears, born from happiness and frustration, as well as anger and relief.
The press release says it’s a tale that anyone who has ever had to adjust to new expectations in all walks of life – their own or someone else’s – will relate to.
Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network says: “While we don’t stage shows to receive awards, it has been so heart-warming to see ‘Actress’ and all the hard work, vulnerability and dedication that Talia and Bruce put into this original theatre piece, validated in this way.”
We want to continue taking this show to as many corners of the country, and indeed, the world, as we can, so we are so thrilled that we’ll be starting the festival circuit at #Redfest2024 with the festival version of the show”.
Kodesh says: “I feel so grateful to have been approached by Redhill to perform ‘Actress’ at this year’s Arts Festival. Redhill has always been a proud supporter of the arts and how thrilled I am to be a part of RedFest 2024.”
Dennill, who is responsible for the music as well, says, ““I’m so glad that ‘Actress’ is returning to the stage and will be able to reach new audiences at this year’s RedFest.”
Where: Len Miller Auditorium at Redhill School in Morningside.
When: July 25 – 28 at 7pm and 5pm, depending on the day.
Cost: R200 at Webtickets.
Poet-O-Type
The team behind last year’s much-acclaimed production of Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) return to The Market Theatre, this time with “Poet-O-Type”.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the play, the award-winning Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana as well as playwright J Bobs Tshabalala, collaborate on this new staging.
“Poet-O-Type” follows the journey of a talented poetry student as he wraps his head around the lessons of his mentor, which takes him down a path of contradictions, too.
In this tribute to poets and wordsmiths, the play offers a deeper look at the life of artists trying to make a living while fulfilling their passion. It is about recognition and admiration.
As expected, it is saturated with wittiness and a masterful play with words.
Directed by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana, it stars Langa as the mentor. He is joined by Trevor Lynch, who is hailed as a “ prodigiously talented newcomer”.
Greg Homann, the artistic director of The Market Theatre, said: “One can see why this role, which was seemingly made for Billy, has evolved and grown as the show has matured under Mahlatsi’s direction.”
The dynamic two-hander sizzles with energy and an inviting playfulness as the two actors spar with words, which Tshabalala conjures with deft craft and sharpness.
Where: The Market Theatre.
When: Runs until July 28, 7pm, with the possibility of school performances by special arrangement from Wednesday to Friday at 11am.
Cost: R120 – R200 at Webtickets.
Pension Killer with Nik Rabinowitz
If you are looking for a comedy, look no further than this show. One of Mzansi’s favourite comedians returns to the stage. As the title suggests, his observational comedy homes in on functioning in the new normal.
His humour is delivered as a father and husband adjusting to titles such as uncle and oom.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: July 23 – August 3, 7.30pm
Cost: R250 from Computicket.