A few weeks ago, the film’s producer, Eric Abraham, as well as director Oliver Hermanus, started a process of creating a Plan B as an alternative means for people to watch the critically acclaimed film at home.

Starting today, MOFFIE, the story of a young conscript who battles to survive compulsory military service in apartheid-South Africa while coming to terms with his sexual orientation, will be available to stream online.

According to Hermanus, Abraham suggested a back-up plan for the film’s release and distribution well before the spread of the virus started to pick up speed and South Africa’s first case was reported. “We really want you all to see Moffie, and over the last few weeks set up a system to bring our film to the safety of your home,” says Hermanus. “You may be stuck indoors, so hopefully we can keep you entertained.”

Since its South African release the film has been a major critical success, receiving five-star reviews from major publications nationwide.

How much will it cost and how do I watch it?
R150 for a 24-hour ticket You can watch the film once from start to finish. You are welcome to pause the film at any time during this 24 hour period, but if you navigate away from the current viewing, your session will be lost, so do not close your browser or reload the page! The film is 103 minutes long and you can find the film at the bottom of this page.

We recommend watching this film on a desktop or tablet device and not on a phone.

Visit www.moffiefilm.com/stream to stream the film now.

The post Proudly SA Film Moffie Goes Online During Lockdown appeared first on Stage and Screen.

A star-studded cast has been announced for a new Fugard Theatre production of Athol Fugard’s masterpiece Master Harold…And The Boys which marks the start of the Fugard Theatre’s 2020 season and tenth birthday year.

Presented by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre’s Master Harold…And The Boys will run in the Fugard Studio Theatre from 4 February 2020. The production will be directed by the Fugard Theatre’s Artistic Director Greg Karvellas.

The cast features Kai Luke Brummer as Hally, Desmond Dube as Sam and Siya Mayola as Willy.

Brummer is the lead  in Oliver Hermanus’ new film Moffie, which was invited to the Venice and London International Film Festivals and has been critically acclaimed across Europe.

Dube is a much-loved actor and presenter on TV and film. He was last seen on the Fugard Theatre stage in the multiple award-winning musical King Kong, which earned him a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. He also performed in I See You, a co-production with The Royal Court and Market Theatre, for which he won a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Actor and was nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre award.

Mayola is a writer, director and producer with his own production company. He is a seasoned film and theatre actor, and has appeared in series such as SABC TV’s drama series, Amaza, Mzanzi Magic’s Isikizi, and kykNET’s Sara se Geheim.

Master Harold…And The Boys is written by Athol Fugard and directed by Greg Karvellas. Set Design and Lighting Design is by Wolf Britz, who recently received a Fiesta award nomination for his work on Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act. Costume Design is by Widaad Albertus.

Master Harold…And The Boys is a compelling and masterful examination of the frailty of the human condition and how societal injustices force people into their prescribed roles. This production will be performed in The Fugard Studio Theatre from on Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sundays at 3pm.

Tickets from R180 to R250 can be booked through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

The post Master Harold… And The Boys appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Summer ‘19 is set to be the hottest season yet with the scorching hit musical Kinky Boots, that has been igniting the stage at The Fugard Theatre situated in the Mother City.

Presented by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre, the five-star South African premiere of this big hearted, Tony Award-winning musical has been extended a final time due to overwhelming demand and is now open for bookings, for performances up to 2 February 2020.

Purchase a ticket to any show in December and have the exclusive opportunity to access the Kinky Lounge experience upstairs in The Fugard Studio Theatre.  Revel in a range of delectable themed cocktails, selfie booths, chill-out areas and fabulous music. What better way to kick-start the holiday season in VVVIP fashion!  The Kinky Lounge will be open before and after the show.

There’s an extra special party planned for New Year’s Eve. Ring in the new decade in super-strutting style with the Kinky Boots team for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration, including DJs and various party venues after the show. The performance on 31 December will start at the later time of 9h30pm and a ticket includes access to the performance, a welcome glass of bubbly, a glass of bubbly after the show and all the live entertainment on offer until the early hours of the morning. The Fugard Theatre’s range of home-made pizzas will be available for sale on the evening.

A Kinky Boots experience makes a unique, feel good festive season present, or an even be an innovative way to celebrate any corporate end-year function. With the addition of Sunday evening performances from 17 November, there’s an even greater selection of dates to choose from.

The production that is Kinky Boots, has a recommended age restriction of no under 10 year olds. It will remain to be kinky, at the Fugard Theatre, until 2 February 2020 on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee performance on Saturdays and on Sundays at 3pm.  Additional performances on Sundays at 7pm will take place from 1 December to 5 January 2020.

Tickets starting from R250 can be booked directly through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

Tickets to the performance on New Year’s Eve cost from R470 to R700.  A ticket includes access to the performance, a welcome glass of bubbly, a glass of bubbly after the show and all the live entertainment on offer until the early hours of the morning. The performance on 31 December starts at 9.30pm.

Access to The Kinky Lounge in the Studio Theatre is via two flights of stairs, if assistance is required kindly enquire at the box office.

Beat the rush and order your pre-show drinks online when purchasing tickets at www.thefugard.com

The post New Year’s Party, VVVIP Treatment in the Kinky Lounge appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Betty Bangles

Daaaahlings!

I took a trip down to Cape Town and with lots of thanks to The Fugard Theatre and Stage and Screen, I got to see Kinky Boots, and now I have something to say….

I first saw Kinky Boots two years ago on Broadway and fell in love with the show. So, when they announced that The Fugard will bring an original production of this show to South Africa, I threw glitter in the air and did a little celebratory dance of my own. But also, I was a little scared; Will they find the perfect Lola? Will the boots be fabulous? Will ‘Lauren’ be funny?

Well, in true Fugard style, they did NOT disappoint! This show is entertaining, and appropriate for all Walks and Feathers of life, but kiddies under 10 years old, may require some PG.  Before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you what Kinky Boots is about.

The story of Kinky Boots is based on true events, about two people who think they have nothing in common.  Factory owner, Charlie, struggles to save his family business, with Lola, an extraordinary entertainer having wildly exciting ideas of her own.  As the story unfolds, these two characters starts the journey to embrace their differences, to form their unique, and sensational friendship… and their own line of the infamous stilettos, unlike anything ever seen before.

Now back to me… or rather, my fears about this SA production. Like I said, The Fugard did not let me down. Lola is sensational, the boots are fierce, and ‘Lauren’ is a hoot.

Firstly, can I get an ‘Amen’ for Paul Wills’ set design. He used every square inch of a fairly small staging surface in such a way that it feels like you’re experience the Musical on a bigger scale stage. The lighting design by Tim Mitchel also deserves a special courtesy. A standout moment for me was the projection during the design scene.

Matthew Wild gets a kiss on the cheek from me. His direction plays a pivotal role in the smooth transitions of the scenes on a stage with some limitations.  Birrie le Roux gave me life with the costume designs. My favorite being the Angels’ outfits for the boxing match, with those high ponytails.

Darren Craig plays Charlie and Oh Boy, does he do it well. The song Soul of a Man is a tough one, and he smashed it. He can sing to me all day, every day.  Earl Gregory steps into the heels of Lola and do I dare say, it’s his best role I’ve seen him in yet. Gregory doesn’t play Lola, he becomes Lola. He forces you to look at him without saying a word.

Lola’s Angels are played by Tshepo Ncokoane, Philip Schnetler, Chester Martinez and Emile Doubell. They strut their stuff on stage in full fabulocity and makes you want to join them! Namisa Mdlalosa, who plays Lauren is fantastic and completely makes the character her own. Her version of Lauren actually works better for me than the ‘Broadway Lauren’. She steals every scene she’s in and her comedy timing is so perfect… I can’t even deal with it!

Kinky Boots tackle real life issues and pulls hard on your heart strings. It teaches acceptance and challenge the closed-minded. Not my Father’s Son made me do the ugly cry because I could relate to it so much. That is why Kinky Boots is such a loved and important show.

Everybody will find something they can relate to in the story and overall, it’s a toe-tapping, feel-good show.

If you have a heart, you will Love Kinky Boots!

This show currently plays on stage of the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, until October 27, 2019.

Photo credit Jesse Kramer

[box type=”info” align=”alignright” ] [dropcap]B[/dropcap]etty Bangles is South Africa’s leading drag artist, and a self-confessed theatre junkie. As a created character by artist-in-his-own-right, Bernard Buys, Miss Bangles’ involvement within the theatre and TV industry, stretches from on the stage, to behind the scenes.  Stage and Screen thought it to be very appropriate, to have a musical like Kinky Boots, reviewed by her.

This review was voluntarily done by Bernard Buys, and acted purely as a trusted contributor to Stage and Screen. The views depicted in this review, are that of the contributor, but edited and published according to the established identity and standards of the publication. We thank Betty for the contribution, and hope for many more collaborations to come.[/box]

The post Review: Kinky Boots appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Just two weeks into its South African premiere run, The Fugard Theatre’s production of multiple Tony-Award winning musical Kinky Boots has been extended. Bookings are now open for performances until 27 October.

Presented by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre, this is the first non-replica production of the show, and a brand new, South African original production of this huge-hearted, smash-hit musical.

Kinky Boots has been playing to sold-out houses and wowing audiences, who have responded with comments.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots was first brought to life on the big screen in 2005 before being transformed into a hit musical, winning six Tony and three Olivier Awards.

Kinky Boots features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Tony Award for Best Original Score, Tony Award for Best Choreography and Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Kinky Boots has played to sold out houses on Broadway and in the West End since 2013. This mega-hit is a must see for all Musical Theatre fans.

The Fugard Theatre’s Kinky Boots is brought to you by the same creative team behind the Fugard Theatre productions of The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl and West Side Story. Direction is by Matthew Wild, Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Choreography by Louisa Talbot. Costume design is by Birrie Le Roux, Set Design by Paul Wills and Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell. Sound Design is by Mark Malherbe.

A stellar local cast is led by Darren Craig as shoe factory owner Charlie Price and Earl Gregory stepping in to the role of drag queen Lola.,

Kinky Boots

The Fugard Theatre Cape Town

11 June 2019 – 2 February 2020.

Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee performance on Saturdays and on Sundays at 3pm

Tickets starting from R180 can be booked directly through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

This production has a recommended age restriction of no under 10 year olds.

There is a 20% discount available for all Friends of The Fugard members (on certain performance days); a 15% discount for pensioners and 10% discount for students and block bookings. These discounted tickets can be booked through the Fugard Theatre box office only and are available for performances from 27 June 2019 onwards.

The post Kinky Boots appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre present the South African premiere of Happy New Year, a hilarious, heart-warming rom com, adapted by South African icon David Kramer from the hit, award-winning play Midsummer (A Play With Songs), by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre.

Happy New Year will be presented from 19 February 2019 in The Fugard Studio Theatre and bookings are now open through The Fugard Theatre box office and website.

Directed by internationally acclaimed director and former Artistic Director of The Tricycle Theatre in London, Nicolas Kent, the cast stars popular actors Bianca Flanders from Krotoa – Eva Van De Kaap, The Demon Bride and Aunty Merle as Lee-André, and Dean Balie from Orpheus in Africa and Blood Brothers, Kat and the King, as Dan.

Whilst at The Tricycle Theatre, Nicolas Kent brought David Kramer’s Kat and the Kings and three more of his shows to London and recently Kent suggested this play would make a happy South African adaptation, thus the collaboration.

High flying divorce lawyer Lee-André meets car salesman and small-time criminal Dan in a bar one midsummer’s night when the married man she’s been seeing cancels their date. She’s out of Dan’s league, he’s totally not her type, but when these two disparate souls come together, a wild weekend of alcohol-infused adventure and abandon ensues. Between bridge-burning, car chases, wedding bust ups and self-loathing hangovers, they discover they are not so different after all, and that maybe there are second chances at life – and love.

Happy New Year is a delightful and refreshing twist on a rom-com, according to Daniel Galloway, Managing Director of The Fugard Theatre. He notes it is honest, down to earth and deliciously hilarious – a brilliant piece of storytelling with wonderful songs and they are honoured to have South Africa’s own David Kramer adapting this universal and musical tale of love, hope and acceptance to resonate more deeply with our local audiences.

Director Nicolas Kent has directed productions in over 100 theatres around the world including the West End and New York; as well as for notable companies in Great Britain including The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal Court, The Donmar Warehouse, The Hampstead Theatre, the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith and the Young Vic.

David Kramer is a national treasure and needs no introduction to South African audiences. His latest smash hit musical, Langarm, is currently playing at The Fugard Theatre and marks his fifth production with the Theatre.  Together with the late Taliep Petersen, he created six musicals which enjoyed enormous local and international success, including the Laurence Olivier Award winning Kat and the Kings which played on Broadway and the West End. He adapted Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers to a local setting, which was produced by The Fugard Theatre and Pieter Toerien Productions in 2012.  His numerous awards and accolades include honorary Doctorates from the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town and a career highlight was performing at Carnegie Hall showcasing the music of the Cape.

Happy New Year is adapted by David Kramer from the original Midsummer (A Play With Songs) by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre.  Direction is by Nicolas Kent, Set Design is by Chris Pienaar, Costume Design by Widaad Albertus, Lighting Design by Marie Roux, Sound Design is by David Classen and Illustration is by Lucie de Moyencourt.

Happy New Year

The Fugard Theatre

From 19 February 2019 Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm with matinees at 4pm on Saturdays.

Tickets from R160 to R220

 Book through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

There is a 20% discount available for the Friends of The Fugard members on Wednesdays to Saturdays, a 15% discount for pensioners and 10% discount for students.

The post Happy New Year appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Louw Mulder

The wonder, awe and art of theatre is very special to the team at Stage and screen. When I visited the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town this past December, the level of specialness was magnified in such a way, that the theatre outing in its whole became one of my Top 10 theatrical experiences in the Inestimable Sentiment category.

It all happened on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the Mother City, with clear skies outside, and inside, a full house, eagerly awaiting the matinee performance of David Kramer’s Langarm. Revisiting past productions like Kat and the King and Blood Brothers and understanding to what extent the talents of Kramer can go, I was really excited to see this production!.

I got my selfie with the man himself, and was super amped when I found that he was seated right next to me. I grew up with Die Manne van die Royal Hotel, so having the opportunity to write a review on a production with its creator, writer and director sitting right next to me, I felt extremely honoured.  You then witness this purely magical show, which is set in Cape Town’s District Six.  You really enjoy this production with all its elements, and with that sheer glow of theatre magic fresh in your mind, you leave the theatre, also situated in Cape Town’s District Six, with a heartfelt feeling for our country and all the hardships it has had to endure. With the majestic, powerful view of Table Mountain welcoming you to The Mother City… This day was special.

Langarm advertised itself as “He was White, She was not. They Broke the Law to Dance.”, but for those like me who initially thought of this production as just another racial plot of how bad it was in the Old South Africa, go see this show, and then be just as surprised as I was.  Kramer cleverly used facts of that era and events which were evidently close to his memories of that time, and combined it with a love story, to grab you from curtain lift, to curtain call.

I took my chance when we all took our seats after the interval, to introduce myself to Mr Kramer, to get some background on his story. “The story is fictional, but all the adjoining events in the Musical that supports the main story, is based on facts of that time” Kramer told me: “I have done a lot of research to find events suitable for the story I had in mind.”  What is more interesting, is that Kramer admitted that when seeing the show, audiences will realise the love story between Angeline and Jeff, is in fact secondary to the more serious and hidden message he wanted to bring through to the audience.  In the second half , I gradually noticed what he meant.

When thinking beyond the special memories of Langarm, the first thing I remember about this production, is the Music.  With a newly composed score, with its own songs, combined with well-known hits that added homage to the storyline, was phenomenally arranged by the maestro Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.  Maybe it’s just this Joburger from Gauteng, with a soft spot for the Mother City and all her different cultures, to find the holistic feel of Langarm’s music to be a true reflection of Cape Town, District Six, and the nostalgic sounds of the Kaapse Klopse.

The swing band, making music with numerous variations in the harmonies between Trumpet and Saxophone, was another special element, of which I will go as far to be the first one to buy the soundtrack one day. Not just is it the music that added colour to the Idea of going to the theatre in Cape Town, the voices of the artists on stage, were adding more identity to the reminiscence on stage.  I have to highlight the voices of Rushney Ferguson, who plays Angelina, the notable versatility of Elton Landrew as Eddie, and the powerhouse Kim Louis, in the role of Kim, whose story keeps you in suspense till the end.

The last time I visited the Fugard, in my review on their production of Funny Girl, I wrote about how impressed I was with the performance of Cameron Botha.  Needless to say, his name was one of the reasons that made me choose Langarm as one of the productions to see whilst in Cape Town.  Botha plays Jeff in this musical, who has to live through many emotions.  In my opinion, it takes a specific skill of a stage actor to portray so many emotions as distinctively as what Botha did on the day.  I would say that he had an engrossing presence of an experienced actor, and in my opinion I will go as far as to say that I can see South Africa’s next Jonathan Roxmouth in this artist.

Besides a wonderful cast, the enthralling time-capsule that is the music, and the hint of something serious in the plot, audiences can also look forward to see a very clever set-design, brought to stage by Saul Radomsky. The revolving stage makes scene changes effortless, with Widaad Albertus’ design of the costumes, completing the picture.

“I just love working with the Fugard Theatre, and bringing my shows here. Their professionalism, dedication to the art form and passion for the theatre, is what makes it so wonderful to work with them” Kramer told me when I got a disappointing negative answer when I asked if Langarm might be coming to Johannesburg.  I guess we up here in the Gauteng province can’t have it all, and the Kramer Fugard collaboration, must be reason enough, to visit the Mother City at least once a year.  The next one is Kramer’s adaptation Happy New Year that will start in the Fugard’s Studio theatre, on 19 February 2019.

Produced by the Fugard Theatre, Langarm is not just a musical.  It is a variety show of so many elements ranging from the good old Cape Town Sounds, to the joy of an unfolding love story, to even elements of an historic flash-back.  Make sure to catch David Kramer’s latest Musical offering on the stage of the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town’s District Six, now extended to 3 March 2019.  Tickets are available from www.thefugard.com.

The post Review: Langarm appeared first on Stage and Screen.

David Kramer’s new musical Langarm at The Fugard Theatre has been extended due to an overwhelming demand. With all remaining 2018 performances  now sold out, the run has been extended to Sunday 3 March 2019. Performances in January 2019 will continue to run from Tuesday to Sunday.  From 6 February 2019, Langarm  will be performed from Wednesday to Saturdays at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sundays at 3pm.

Produced and presented by Eric Abraham for The Fugard Theatre, Langarm is a story of love and intrigue set in the story-world of Cape Town’s ballroom dance culture in the 1960s. With the threat of the new apartheid laws hanging over their heads, people will do almost anything to survive.

Creating the role of Jeff is Cameron Botha, who has delighted audiences in Fugard Theatre productions such as Funny Girl and West Side Story as well as others including Calling Us Home, Sweeney Todd and Dirty Dancing.  Rushney Ferguson, also no stranger to The Fugard Theatre stage having performed in the hit musicals King Kong and District Six: Kanala, steps into the role of Angelina.  Kim Louis returns to the stage and plays hotel owner Dinah Levin.  Langarm reunites Kim with David Kramer after nearly twenty years, when she performed in Kat and the Kings on Broadway. The role of band leader Eddie will be played by Oscar Petersen of Joe Barber fame, whose sensational success spanned eighteen years. Oscar has also been seen in roles such as Chiron in Titus Andronicus, with Sir Antony Sher.

Pierre Nelson, previously in Poppekas, plays Van der Byl and Julio Jantjies from West Side Story and Giselle is Lulu. Also joining the cast are Nadine Suliaman of Rent the Musical and Footloose, Nathan Muller, from The Full Monty and Hairspray, Byron Klassen  of Dansmettieduiwels and Keeper of the Kum fame, Paxton Simons, previously in Archives and Injabulo, Shaneé de Beer, from Supadance and SA Latin Champion, as well as Junaide Abrahams, previously performing in Cape Academy of Performing Arts and Synergy Dance Company.

Writer and Director, David Kramer explains that they have brought together some of SA’s most established stage performers with the country’s phenomenal rising talent, further saying that it’s is going to be magical.

Daniel Galloway, Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre mentioned that with the countdown on to the start of rehearsals, they are delighted to introduce their Langarm cast, and can’t wait for the audience to see them in action in this exciting new David Kramer musical.

The stellar creative team includes musical arrangements by resident Musical Director of The Fugard Theatre, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, known for his former productions, that include West Side Story, King Kong and Funny Girl.  Set Design is by Saul Radomsky, who previously worked on The Road to Mecca, Clybourne Park, as well as District Six – Kanala. Lighting Design is by Gerda Kruger, known for The Music of Queen and  Le Nozze di Figaro. Sound Design is by David Classen of Significant Other and Shakespeare in Love, Costume Design is by Widaad Albertus, known for Significant Other, The Demon Bride and The Eulogists and lastly Choreography is by Grant van Ster, who previously worked on Aunty Merle the Musical and Calling Us Home.

Langarm

The Fugard Theatre

Extended to 3 March 2019

Performances in January 2019 will continue to run from Tuesday to Sunday at 8pm

From 6 February 2019, performances will run from Wednesday to Saturdays at 8pm

Matinees on Saturday and Sundays at 3pm

Tickets prices are between R150 to R260 can be booked through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or      at their website www.thefugard.com

The post Langarm appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Eric Abraham presents this Fugard Theatre production of Shakespeare In Love which was a runaway success last year, playing to sold out houses and critical acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike.

Written by Lee Hall and adapted from the Academy Award-winning (1999) screenplay by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman, the comedy ran for an extended sold out season at the West End’s Noel Coward Theatre in London in 2014.

Shakespeare In Love features a stellar cast of 21 actors including the return of the loveable fur-actor Bogart as Spot the Dog, who captured the hearts of all who saw the show. The play is directed by the Fugard Theatre’s resident director Greg Karvellas.

Robyn Scott recently won the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Play for her role as Elizabeth I. The production was also nominated for Best Performance by an Ensemble, Best Lighting Design for Wolf Britz and Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play for Darron Araujo as Henslowe.

Stepping into the role of Will Shakespeare is Daniel Mpilo Richards who has been dazzling audiences as Bernardo the leader of the Sharks in the Fugard Theatre’s West Side Story, with the return of Roxane Hayward as Viola de Lesseps and Cape Talk’s John Maytham as Fennyman.

Multiple award-winner Robyn Scott stars as Queen Elizabeth and Jason K. Ralph as Lord Wessex.  Nicholas Pauling plays Ned Allen, Sven Ruygrok in the role of Sam and Mark Elderkin as Burbage. Darron Araujo performs the role of Henslowe, Adrian Collins as Ralph, Walter van Dyk as Tilney, Pierre Malherbe as Nol, Lucy Tops as Nurse, Dean Balie as John Webster and Louis Viljoen as Mr Wabash.

Completing the ensemble are Alex Tops as Robin, Kathleen Stephens as Mistress Quickly, Rendani Mufamadi as Lambert and Rachel Mertens who returns to the Ensemble.

Set Design is by Paul Wills ,Costume Sourcing and Styling is by Birrie le Roux and Widaad Albertus with Lighting Design by Wolf Britz. Sound Design is by David Classen, with Resident Musical Director of the Fugard Theatre Charl Johan Lingenfelder. Choreography is by Kristin Wilson, with Fight Choreography by Jon Keevy.

Young Will Shakespeare has writer’s block… the deadline for his new play is fast approaching but he is in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse – Viola. This beautiful young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play.

Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms and inspires him to write his greatest masterpiece.
Tickets from R150 to R350 can be booked through the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through the Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com.There is a 15% discount available for the Friends of The Fugard members.

The post Shakespeare In Love appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Nominated for three WoordTROfees awards at this year’s University of Stellenbosch Woordfees, The Demon Bride will be unleashed on the Fugard Studio Theatre from 8 May.

Eric Abraham presents this production in association with US Woordfees. The Demon Bride is the latest play from multiple award-winning playwright and director Louis Viljoen, who is also the Fugard Theatre’s Writer in Residence.

The play was nominated for the WoordTROfees awards in the categories of Beste Actor for Bianca Flanders as Amelia, Best Woodrfees Debut and Best Technical Performance for the Sound Design by James Webb.

The Demon Bride is a gripping and hilarious comedy-horror that sees Viljoen taking an exciting new direction in a production that will make you shiver with delight!

The Demon Bride: its wedding season and the wine lands are abuzz with travellers who come to celebrate the nuptials of friends and family. But when the wedding party gets trapped in a haunted cabin in the middle of a dilapidated wine farm, a carefree weekend turns into a nightmare when the spirit of an ancient demon possesses a newlywed and wreaks havoc on her friends. The Demon Bride has one simple message: `With this ring I thee DEAD!’

The production stars Craig Jackson, Sarah Potter, Bianca Flanders, Carel Nel and Andrew Roux.

Set Design is by Rocco Pool, Lighting Design by Benjamin du Plessis and Sean Whitehead,  Costume Design by Widaad Albertus and Sound Design is by internationally acclaimed artist James Webb whose theatre credits include the Fugard Theatre productions of The Birdwatchers and Die Laaste Karretjiegraf, both of which won him Fleur du Cap Awards.

Viljoen’s first play as the Fugard’s Writer in Residence, The Eulogists, was nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best New South African Script.   Viljoen has won Fleur Du Cap Theatre awards, Best New South African Script for Champ in 2013 and The Kingmakers in 2015. He was also the recipient of the Rosalie van Der Gucht Best New Director award for his plays, The Kingmakers and The Pervert Laura.

The Demon Bride

Fugard Studio Theatre

From 8 May, at 20:00.

Maninee Performances on Sundays, at 15:00

Tickets cost R160 and can be booked through the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through the Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com.

[box type=”warning” align=”alignright” ] [dropcap]18[/dropcap]

The Demon Bride is presented in English and has an age restriction of 18 because of adult content, strong language and sex![/box]

Photo: Daniel Rutland Manners

The post The Demon Bride appeared first on Stage and Screen.