A Cock & Bull Story

Richard Zajdlic and Richard Crowe’s “knockout hit play” comes to Montecasino.

A Cock & Bull Story is the localised reimagining of British playwrights Richard Zajdlic and Richard Crowe’s blockbuster play of the same name. At the hand of Quentin Krog, director of the film Ballade vir a Enkeling, and actor Geon Nel, the setting is transferred to contemporary suburban Cape Town.

The production features Edwin van der Walt from Ballade for a Enkeling, Hollywood in my Huis, Die Pro and Modder en Bloed, and also My Father’s War, which starts at cinemas in July.   Alongside van der Walt will be Dean John Smith, who was the 2014 Fleur du Cap Award winner for Most promising Student.  Undoubtedly, van der Walt and Smith are two of South Africa’s most promising young actors, and can be seen under the direction and design of Marthinus Basson with lighting designed by Chris Pienaar.

TJ (Dean-John Smith) is a promising young boxer on the eve of a bout that could make or break his career. He is waiting for his friend Jaco (Edwin van der Walt), who always prepares him both mentally and physically for his fights. TJ’s confidence has waned after a recent humiliating defeat against tonight’s opponent – and Jaco is late.

For TJ boxing is not just a passion, it’s an escape from his lower middle-class background and a passport to a better life. Jaco on the other hand has to measure himself against the long shadow cast by his father, a local legend with underworld connections and notoriety as a street fighter.  But tonight is a battle of a different kind. Instead of measuring their strength in the ring TJ and Jaco will test the limits of friendship in the locker room.

This exciting two-hander is filled with testosterone induced male bravado, from bragging about girls to locker room chatter and excessive physicality. However, underneath this veneer is a delicate exploration of friendship, sexuality and mutual dependence.

Gritty and fierce, the characters are challenged psychologically and physically, making for an exciting, emotional and gripping journey of discovery.

Praise for ‘Cock and Bull Story’: “Burns with frightening aggression and authenticity. No punches pulled, so be warned.”   City Limits

“Cock and Bull Story convincingly dares to shatter the myths of class and masculinity.” The London Guardian

“A not-to-be-missed battle of brawn versus brains.  What’s great is that it’s not simply the story of a spirited young boxer who goes for gold, but ultimately the story about the fighter and lover in all of us. The rich text, crackling with witty banter and loaded with physical and emotional conflict, motivates the actions of two men trying their best to save a friendship that means more than winning the game. If you’re looking for intelligent theatre with punch and vigour, Cock And Bull Story is just what you need. Exceptional.” Daniel Dercksen – The Writing Studio

 

STUDIO THEATRE, MONTECASINO

8 June – 3 July

 Wednesdays – Fridays – 20:15

Saturdays – 16:15 & 20:15

Sundays – 15:15

 Tickets from R130.00 to R165 and available from www.computicket.com