Located at the foot of the mountain on the University of Cape Town’s lower campus, the Baxter Theatre Centre is an iconic venue for performing arts aficionados. The theatre showcases a rich history of South African stories, and this July is no different. The upcoming productions promise to mesmerize audiences with a combination of captivating narratives, innovative stagecraft, and thought-provoking themes.
The month kicks off with the highly anticipated return of “Life & Times of Michael K,” a stage adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author JM Coetzee’s novel. The play by Lara Foot, in collaboration with the Tony Award-winning Handspring Puppet Company, is back after its sold-out success last year. The powerful story revolves around a simple man’s journey through a war-torn South Africa, where he aims to take his mother back to her birthplace. This co-production between Theater der Welt Düsseldorf 2021, Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, Baxter Theatre Centre, and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg runs from 5th to 15th July, with performances at 7 pm and 4 pm.
Following that is “Set in Motion,” a theatre dance production that explores the internal and external forces that sway us in different directions and sometimes interfere with our ability to live life to the fullest. Helmed by director Grant van Ster, the Figure of 8 Winter Season production delves into life-altering events and seemingly minor moments that can lead to extreme exhaustion, pain, confusion, hope, and happiness. The talented cast, including Shaun Oelf, Ockert Prins, André Maarman, and Lisakhanya Nongqongqo, will bring this innovative piece to life from 6th to 15th July, with performances at 8 pm and 3 pm.
The month concludes with “Surge,” an enthralling production that employs puppetry to create a world of wonder and intrigue. Directed by Roshina Ratnam, designed by Hansie Visagie, and co-created by the Magnet Theatre Youth Company, “Surge” follows the story of two characters with contrasting relationships with the natural world and climate events. This enchanting exploration will be staged from 21st to 29th July, with performances at 11 am and 7 pm.
As the city’s cultural beacon, the Baxter Theatre Centre continues to offer a diverse range of artistic experiences that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. This July, make sure to catch these powerful stories as they unfold on stage, challenging our perceptions and evoking emotions, all while showcasing the exceptional talent South Africa has to offer.
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