Latest news with #TheBaxterTheatre
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A month of drama: 'Rondomtalie', 'Curl Up & Dye' and 'Bitter Winter' take centre stage in June
Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck, Gary Naidoo and Deon Lotz star in 'Rondomtalie / Marry-Go-Round'. 'Rondomtalie / Marry-Go-Round' This captivating play, which debuted at Suidoosterfees earlier this year, is making its way to the Mother City this month. It centres around relationship therapist, Mahesh Maharaj, who has been tasked to help Olivia and Alan save their 12-year marriage after a scandalous affair. The cast includes Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck as Olivia, Deon Lotz as Alan and Gary Naidoo as Mahesh. Where: Die Boer in Durbanville. When: June 10 and 11 at 8.30pm. 'Curl Up & Dye' This production by Sue Pam-Grant & DJ Grant takes place in a dilapidated hair salon in Joubert Park, Johannesburg. Directed by Darryl Spijkers, the play exposes the power dynamics and social inequalities of the time, with the hair salon acting as a microcosm of the wider societal issues, including racism, classism, and the struggles of survival under oppressive conditions. Where: The Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West. When: From June 11 until June 21. Show times differ, depending on the day. "Bitter Winter" This latest work by Paul Slabolepszy pays tribute to the South African stage legends. The drama follows veteran actor Jean-Louis Lourens and rising star Prosper Mangane clashing at an intense audition. As they wait for a high-profile American director, their stories reveal humour, heart, and the strength of storytelling. Directed by Lesedi Job, starring André Odendaal, Oarabile Ditsele and Chantal Stanfield. Where: The Baxter Theatre. When: Runs until June 14, at 3pm or 8pm.
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.
