The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is offering a diverse range of artistic performances for all types of performing arts enthusiasts in February. From family drama exploring the double-edged sword of social media to ballet showcasing precolonial South Africa, the theatre promises a rich array of narratives that mirror the human condition in all its intricate diversity. The theatre continues to serve as a haven for performing arts enthusiasts in Cape Town, and its intriguing mix of drama, ballet, music, and live art encourages us to interact with our realities and challenge societal norms.
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town offers a diverse range of artistic performances for all types of performing arts enthusiasts. From family drama exploring the double-edged sword of social media to ballet showcasing precolonial South Africa, the theatre’s February line-up promises a rich array of narratives that mirror the human condition in all its intricate diversity.
The iconic Baxter Theatre Centre, a cherished jewel at the base of the mountain on the lower campus of Cape Town University, continues to serve as a haven for performing arts enthusiasts in Cape Town. Since its inception, the theatre has played a key role in animating a myriad of significant South African narratives through a diverse range of artistic forms.
A Tale of Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
Kicking off the exciting line-up in February, the Baxter Theatre Centre is all set to stage the family drama, ‘Expelled’. This compelling play delves into the relatively unchecked domain of social media. Penned by Rosalind Butler, ‘Expelled’ chronicles the life of Alex, a final year student at a prestigious school, who finds himself at the heart of an online scandal leading to his suspension. The drama shines a light on the double-edged sword that social media can be, with its equal potential to unite and to shatter. It wrestles with the query: Can a fleeting lapse in judgment irreparably change a life?
A Journey into Precolonial South Africa
As the month progresses, the Baxter Theatre Centre will showcase the historical and cultural depth of the African continent through the ballet show, ‘The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe’. The narrative journey takes the audience back to precolonial South Africa, following Jerry van Grean and two friends as they stumble upon the historically important gold rhino. The sudden appearance of a princess spirit from Mapungubwe guides them towards uncovering a civilization at the apex of its brilliance.
Unraveling the Secrets of a Seemingly Perfect Family
Later in the month, the stage of the theatre will host ‘The Good Dad / Die Goeie Pa’. This is the tale of a seemingly blissful family, though a young woman is imprisoned, charged with a serious crime. This suspense-laden narrative provides a profound critique on the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of an apparently ordinary family life.
A Symphony of Performances at the Baxter Theatre Centre
Adding to the theatre’s diverse offerings, the Baxter Concert Hall is set to host a mesmerizing recital by rising star, Benedict Kloekner. His masterful cello performance has garnered accolades from the likes of Daniel Barenboim, and he has been dubbed a ‘young rock god with a cello’ by Rheinpfalz.
An Emotional Odyssey with a Monster
Approaching the end of February, audiences will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotional exploration with ‘A Monster Calls’, an adaptation of Patrick Ness’s young adult novel. The plot centers around Conor O’ Malley, who receives visits from a monster that tells three stories. Each tale reveals the moral grey areas of the world, aiding Conor in coming to terms with his grief.
Reflecting on the Political Landscape of South Africa
To round off the month, the Baxter Theatre Centre will host ‘Everything is Political’ by Working Title Multimedia Curation, an experimental, Live Art weekend at Masambe Theatre. This event contemplates the political landscape in South Africa, three decades after apartheid, as expressed through the works of four diverse artists.
The Baxter Theatre Centre, with its intriguing mix of drama, ballet, music, and live art, remains a crucial cultural nucleus in Cape Town. It encourages us to interact with our realities, challenge societal norms, and above all, rejoices in the timeless power of storytelling. The February line-up is no different, promising a rich array of narratives that mirror the human condition in all its intricate diversity.
1. What types of performances are being offered at the Baxter Theatre Centre in February?
The Baxter Theatre Centre is offering a diverse range of artistic performances including family drama exploring the double-edged sword of social media, ballet showcasing precolonial South Africa, suspense-laden narratives, and live art events.
2. What is ‘Expelled’ about?
‘Expelled’ is a family drama exploring the consequences of a student’s online scandal leading to his suspension. The play delves into the double-edged sword that social media can be, with its equal potential to unite and to shatter.
3. What is ‘The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe’ about?
‘The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe’ is a ballet show taking the audience back to precolonial South Africa, following Jerry van Grean and two friends as they stumble upon the historically important gold rhino. The sudden appearance of a princess spirit from Mapungubwe guides them towards uncovering a civilization at the apex of its brilliance.
4. What is ‘A Monster Calls’ about?
‘A Monster Calls’ is an emotional rollercoaster of a performance that takes the audience on a journey of grief with Conor O’ Malley, who receives visits from a monster that tells three stories. Each tale reveals the moral grey areas of the world, aiding Conor in coming to terms with his grief.
5. What is ‘Everything is Political’ about?
‘Everything is Political’ is an experimental live art event that contemplates the political landscape in South Africa three decades after apartheid. The event features works from four diverse artists.
6. What is offered at the Baxter Concert Hall?
The Baxter Concert Hall is set to host a mesmerizing recital by rising star Benedict Kloekner, whose masterful cello performance has garnered accolades from the likes of Daniel Barenboim.
