THE THREE LITTLE PIGS: BAXTER THEATRE

by Taryn Saunders

In fairy tales and fables, we are told right at the beginning who the hero is, who his friends and allies are, and who is trying to lead him off the path and into the slaughterhouse. But as we know, more than once upon a time in a Justice System not so far, far away, this is not the case at all.

The Three Little Pigs is an Animal Farm-style tale in contemporary South Africa with an intelligent script, sharp acting and plenty of farm puns. Two pigs (police officers) have been brutally and mysteriously murdered. We follow an intense investigation into the case as the last little pig ploughs through bureaucracy, violence, lies and stupidity to find the cause of his brother’s death. The twisted plot comes to an even more twisted end.

The characters, brilliantly performed half animal half humans, are very familiar, especially to a South African audience.  James Cairns, Albert Pretorius and Rob Van Vuuren give focused and detailed performances. Their physical comedy skills are used exceptionally well in characterising the various animal-humans that populate the pigs’ world. One would not be blamed for thinking that they are in fact half-human mutant creatures. The dialogue is machine-gunned at the audience with brutal wit and satire as barbed wire looms over a straw-strewn interrogation room.

In a country populated by spokespeople who ramble like chickens, journalists who pick like vultures on the carcasses of fact and fiction while high-powered wolves run dodgy operations tracked by little pigs, the parallels are more than co-incidental. The Three Little Pigs is one of the best satires on our stages in a long time. It is an important story told in an exceptional way. We never know who the Big Bad Wolf is, where he is, and we’re always afraid.

If George Orwell could comment on the production in a quote from Animal Farm, he’d say:
“There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in a single word-- Man”

Desperate First Ladies

Pieter Dirk Uys has done it again as he has managed to do it in the last thirty eight years of show biz drawing inspiration from the political role players his new show Desperate First Ladies. In the show he highlights the influential women who pull the strings in the world and in the South African arena, that we have no choice but laugh.

For those of us who are old enough to remember he takes us back to an era that sometimes we wish to forget. We get meet our old friend Mr. PW Botha, the bald headed state president who was famous for licking his lips whenever he spoke and put us in our place by waving that famous finger to the current ladies who are the movers and shakers on the African continent. The Late Mother Theresa manning the switchboard gives an insight into life in heaven for those who aspire to get there one day. Mrs. Grace Mugabe the first lady from Zimbabwe shows how first ladies should behave, and the former first lady of Libya makes a guest appearance at the end of the show.

There is however also a serious side to the show, when Pieter gives us a humorous lesson on HIV/AIDS and how to use a condom. With the lesson over he soon reverts back to looking at the world once again and we even get a glimpse into the South African political landscape when Mrs. Evita Bezuidenhout gives a speech welcoming in the newly president of the country and saying farewell to the old president and his wives.

This show is funny and will have you laughing in the aisles of the theatre and is a definite must see show. The show runs until 1 October at the Baxter Theatre, so hurry and buy your tickets before you miss out

Purgatorio

It is quite difficult to describe this play - moving, complex, mind blowing....totally absorbing!

Terry Norton and Dawid Minnaar were magnificent in the way that they seamlessly changed characters, appearance and roles from the soul searching for clemency to the interrogator driving the deep introspection needed to escape the room and "them". Slowly the audience becomes aware of the terrible events that brought them to purgatory - the passions and self interest that is so much part of us all. What is fascinating is watching the knife turn as each facade is stripped away and how we rebel against self awareness.

I sat there breathless hanging on each word not sure how it would play out. It is an intense drama but well worth every second

ouroboros

Janni Younge, the director, says “When I gave birth to my first child, I felt closer to death than I ever had. It made no sense, but there it was – my experience. When I was writing “Ouroboros” this powerful encounter with life was so present, I could see only that. So I created this play. Fascinated by the fragility of the human being, the moment of creation [of the Self, of relationship and of art], the journey towards trust and wholeness and also by the cup of tea of glass of whiskey that happens along the way. “Ouruboros” is not a conventional play; it is structured across space and time; across interior and exterior landscapes. Watch “Ouroboros” as if you are reading a poem. Let the images and stories make connections and trust you own interpretation. …..”

Synopsis: “Ouroboros” is inspired by the poetry of Billy Collins, and is unconventionally structured and can be viewed as a weaving of interaction between the two main characters and is essentially a love story between a poet, Andre and a dancer, Nokobonisa.

“Ouroboros” is an ancient symbol of a serpent swallowing its own tail, forming a circle. It represents self-reflexivity or cyclicality in the sense of something constantly recreating itself.
The obtuse nature of the director results in one’s seemingly inability to easily grasp the meaning of the play first hand. Therefore, before one can begin to fathom this rendition of “Ouroboros” by the Hand Spring Puppet Company, one must first read the programme, otherwise you may react with a lack of information.

The cuteness and exquisitely expressive puppets are well observed and the animations are beautifully and expertly handled. I did however find the puppeteer’s cream coloured outfits were rather unappealing and very distracting to me. The general rule for puppeteers is they must blend into the background and the puppets seen to be the main characters. The idea is the audience be conscious of the puppets- not the puppeteers. The stage in this context of puppetry must always be black. Likewise, the puppeteers should be clothed in black thus blending into the background so the puppets remain the main feature.

Quite disturbing was a screen shape being totally visible as a background. Once as graphic visuals at the beginning – intermittently – and at the end; otherwise the screen should fade away completely. Manni Manim, as a lighting expert should know this.

In the modern times of technology, I ask myself: “Why is it not being used to create depth?” Another non-bio-degradable thought came to mind during the performance: Each tableau was laid out on a bare table with iron legs; the audience is constantly conscious of the puppeteer’s foot-work under the table. It would have been more pleasing if the table had been covered with floor hugging black cloth thus giving the puppets the full reign of the stage they deserved.
Remember when seeing this show to read the programme first.

Joe Barber 5 - School Cuts - Baxter Theatre

What a wonderful night out! There is obviously a following - their 10th year - as people were singing along. Oscar Petersen and David Issacs capture the different characters beautifully. There is a seamless change between them - never missing a beat. I suppose it is a sign of the incredible professionalism that they were able to improvise and respond to the audience. I loved the quip "recession cut" in response to members of the audience with bald heads.

The theme of school reunions was a wonderful nostalgic trip back to school. It is amazing how many shared experiences there are. The annual interschools athletics competition was a scream. They played the different characters beautifully especially Whashiela with her hand in front of the mounth and strange interjections of English to sound posh. A lovely insight into the Cape Flats and current issues.

Go along for a really good laugh, but you might need to concentrate on some of the different accents.

Pictures of You

The story of a perfect marriage and what happens when one partner decides that they want something more. It is described as visual theatre experimenting with different forms, masks and puppets. fth/conspiracy of clowns combines hearing and deaf actors to create new forms of theatre

It is brilliant! Although not a word is spoken, the actors are eloquent in portraying the different emotions and telling the story of the struggle when one partner in a marriage wants to change. The story is so true about how people change in relationships over time, sometimes losing something of themselves.
Angela

Tshepang

Laura Foot Newton's play about the rape of a baby girl in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The story is narrated by Simon who introduces the audience to life in the forgotten dusty town and the events leading up to the rape and what happened afterwards. The play is described as a story of love, forgiveness and coming to terms with a devastation of this magnitude.

This is an incredibly powerful and disturbing play, not for the faint hearted. The fact that the audience sat in silence for about two minutes after the lights went down at the end of the play was a testimony to the emotions evoked and the skill of the actors. As one of our group said, "It hits you in the gut."
Mncedisi Shabangu, who plays Simon, is amazing holding the audience in the palm of his hand as we observe the comedy and tragedy of life in the town. Constance Didi who plays Ruth was a powerful presence on stage and eloquently portrayed the lost hope and betrayal. This is definitely only for adults. It is a must see but as I said, not for the faint hearted.

The Tempest

A story of love, revenge and forgiveness. A storm brings the enemies of Propero to his island. Prospero is a magician who uses the spirits to exact his revenge. At the same time there is the unfolding romance between Miranda and Ferdinand. As with all romances the tragedy is resolved and the play has a happy ending.

The press release notes that the production is filled with African ritual, music and dance. I was a bit cautious about this as I have found in the past that adaptations do not always work well. It was fabulous and I was totally caught up in the story. The drawcard is to see Sir Anthony Sher and John Kani perform. However all the characters were strong and I particularly liked Ariel. The spirits in African costumes added to the supernatural sense of the story and worked so well. The audience loved it and gave the cast a standing ovation and was rewarded with two curtain calls. Highly recommended. Love to hear what others think.

Snake Magic Baxter Theatre 8-20 December

A musical that captivates and inspires children and adults alike

The Chilli Boy Baxter Theatre 2 December - 10 January

A hilarious tale of an Indian woman who is reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg.
My friends went to see it at the Baxter last Christmas and said that it was brilliant the way the actor captured the different characters.

Let's Mix it 2.8 GLX (fuel injected) Baxter Theatre 16 December - 3 January

The third incarnation of the Mix it brand. Talk Show Host Hadji Fatgiyah Bardien will be interviewing her international guests from her newly renovated lounge/studio together with the regulars

Three Wise Men -

Marc Lottering, Riaad Moosa and Nik Rabinowitz star together for the first time, directed by David Kramer. At the Baxter Theatre 18 November - 10 January
People are raving about it in the newspapers. Sounds like it is a sure bet this season.

A MECCA Award for Peter Hayes

Peter Hayes took his play "The Tricky Part" to fesitvals in Canada and won the best visiting play. He has performed the play at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (2006&2007), the Downstairs Theatre in Jo'burg and here at the Baxter. We went to see the play in September 2007. The best that I can describe this emotional performance is captivating. I hung on every word waiting for what was going to happen next. The production was not well supported but those who attended were blown away. It is fabulous that South African artists are recognised internationally. It just confirms that immense talent that we have at home. Now we need more people to support the productions. Well Done Peter!!!!
Angela

We All Benefit Concert

Yesterday's concert was fabulous and well done to Karen Jeynes and Erica Glynn-Jones for putting the show together in just over a week. The concert featured poetry, music, drama and comedy. Local artists donated their time for this stand against xenophobia. Each act reinforcing our link to each other as human beings and fellow Africans. Karen lives close to Du Noon and wanted to do something to take a stand against what was happening. As an artist she decided that this would be the best way to do something.
What was also exciting was that the theatre was fully booked with people waiting to get tickets. The vibe was fantastic and I couldn't help thinking that it would be fabulous if our theatres were always full like yesterday afternoon. Angela

We all Benefit Concert by PANSA

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) is organising the We All Benefit concert as a stand against xenophobia. The concert will be at the Baxter Theatre on Sunday, 1 June at 3pm and tickets are only R50 from Computicket. Audience members are asked to bring along donations such as cash, toys, blankets, non-perishable food and toiletries. This is one event to show your support for the current refugee crisis as well as our local artists.

The fantastic artists who have donated their skills and time are David Kramer, Neo Muyanga, Nik Rabinowitz, The Rudimentals, Tucan Tucan, Theatre Sports, Magnet Theatre, CODA, Louw Venter, Lara Bye, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Eddy Mansami, Matthew Gair, Tristan Waterkeyn, Winslow Schalkwyk, Andy Lund, Primrose Mrwebi and Erica Glyn-Jones. Brett Bailey will be creating something special in the foyer.Angela