Latest news with #Flipside
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Moffie: a powerful drama making its South African debut at The Baxter Theatre
David Viviers in Moffie which will be presented at The Baxter Flipside from 2 to 27 September Image: The Baxter Following its critically acclaimed run in London, the powerful drama Moffie is set to make its South African debut at The Baxter Theatre's Flipside, running from 2 to 27 September 2025. The production, presented by The Common Humanity Arts Trust in association with The Baxter, promises to deliver a poignant exploration of love, survival, and identity during the apartheid era. Based on the compelling novel by André Carl van der Merwe, Moffie has been expertly adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Philip Rademeyer, with direction and production led by Greg Karvellas, known for works like Dear Evan Hansen. The compelling narrative follows Nicholas van der Swart, a closeted conscript, as he grapples with societal expectations and his quest for self-identity amidst the oppressive backdrop of South Africa's 1980s border war. Esteemed actor David Viviers takes on the lead role, bringing to life Nicholas's harrowing journey with his rich and emotionally charged performance. "It is a huge honour and responsibility to bring Nicholas' journey to the South African stage," Viviers remarked. "Moffie holds up a mirror to our past in a way that is honest, relentless, and beautifully fragile." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ David Viviers Image: The Baxter Receiving rave reviews in London, with nominations for four Off West End Awards, critics have praised Moffie as a 'gripping one-man show' and a 'stunning' theatrical experience, solidifying its impact on audiences before it reaches home soil. The Guardian awarded it a notable five-star rating for its unflinching portrayal of a soldier's torment, while The Stage echoed similar sentiments, heralding it as a 'first-class' production. Lara Foot, CEO and Artistic Director of The Baxter, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the production, stating, "We are delighted and honoured to present Moffie at The Baxter. It's a powerful, deeply affecting piece that speaks to our shared history and resonates profoundly with contemporary audiences.' The production is marked by its stark and stripped-down set, designed by Niall Griffin, with sound by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder enhancing the immersive experience. Director Greg Karvellas describes the one-man show as an intense exploration of a young soldier's internal battle. 'Every moment is charged with emotion,' he said, inviting audiences into a gripping solo performance that starkly illustrates the pain and beauty of one young man's survival. Set against the oppressive backdrop of 1979 apartheid, Nicholas's story is not just one of personal survival but a reflection on the toxic masculinity and trauma that shaped and scarred a nation. As South Africans grapple with the legacy of this past, Moffie serves as a cultural landmark, inviting audiences to engage with the realities of their shared history. The production runs for a limited season, with performances at 19:30 and Saturday matinees at 15:30. There will also be a special Wednesday matinee performance at 15:00 beginning 10 September, offering discounted tickets for seniors and students. Ticket prices range from R150 to R240, and advanced bookings can be made via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores. As Moffie prepares to take the Baxter stage, audiences are urged to witness this extraordinary theatrical event that promises to be both entertaining and enlightening—a homecoming for a story that has long lingered in the shadows.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Try circus arts and catch street acts at Esplanade's Flipside festival
SINGAPORE – Try your hand at plate spinning, ball juggling or diabolo spinning at the Esplanade on June 7 and 8. Held at the arts centre's Courtyard, the free circus arts worksho p targeted at young families is part of Flipside, an annual celebration of circus, puppetry, physical theatre and comedy. The festival's theme is The Games We Play, so audiences are invited to revel in the joy of play. Over two weekends from May 30 to June 8, there will be a rollicking mix of local and international acts, with more than 20 free and ticketed workshops and performances. Flipside started in 2004 as a light-hearted counterpoint to the then Singapore Arts Festival, but it has since evolved to focus on circus arts and a street festival vibe. Ms Lynn Yang, 38, the festival's programmer, says : 'There isn't any other platform in Singapore that presents this kind of work, the type you might see at international street or fringe festivals. There's nothing else quite like it dedicated to this form here.' Looking ahead, her focus is twofold. 'We want to support the development of local artists and their work within the festival, and grow the presence of Asian street, circus and puppetry artists,' she adds. Hence, there will be local acts such as Lah Meh-Lions. They will present Sotong Games, directed by theatre-maker Isabella Chiam and choreographed by dance duo Rachel Lee and Marcus Tan, also known as ScRach MarcS. In the show, three quirky characters – Tina Tuna, Lionel Teo Soon Hock, and Muhd Hafish bin Tilapia – attempt to reconnect with one another and their audience through gameplay. Specially written for Flipside, the show marks the third appearance of the Lah Meh-Lions at the festival. Comprisin g lo cal musical theatre performers, the group was first formed and presented at Flipside in 2019 as a three-person roving act. Another local act theatremaker Dwayne Lau. His Snakes And Ladders: Life Edition! is a unique cabaret experience inspired by the classic childhood game. In the interactive one-man show, Lau navigates a life-size game board and shares stories and son gs a bout his journey as an actor in Singapore. He first created and performed #Goals at the 2019 edition of the festival, and his heartfelt brand of autobiographical musical storytelling is always well-received. Lau says his piece was inspired by Snakes And Ladders, the first game he learnt. 'I wanted to create something interactive and fu n. But I also wanted to share my ups and downs as an actor in Singapore. I felt like the game was an excellent metaphor.' He adds that it was fun to think about the different memories from more than 20 years in the industry and to think of parodies that would excite and entertain the audience. He also wanted to create the element of chance to convey how he learnt to improvise and roll with the punches. International productions to catch include Bill's 44th by American artists Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James. The non-verbal comedic puppet show, a New York Times Critic's Pick, is for adults and is performed with an original score with various styles of puppetry. Another highlight is OVVIO by Kolektiv Lapso Cirk, comprising Barcelona-based circus duo David Diez Mendez and Tomas Vaclavek. In their gravity-defying performance, they play a game of balance with simple planks of wood. Each action triggers a chain reaction, with planks, beams and makeshift constructions being built and dismantled in real time. Ms Yang says the festival's keynote is fun. 'There's something really great that you can find at Flipside that takes you to a completely different place from your everyday life and work. It's a great weekend out.' Book It/Flipside Where: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive When: May 30 to June 8 Admission: Free and ticketed Info: Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
