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”

Theatre Attendance Survery - South Africa

Karen Jeynes in Cape Town is conducting research into theatre attendance in South Africa. It will produce valuable information on trends which will be used to develop the performing arts industry. It's only ten questions and takes no time at all. Click on the title to go to the survey. Thank you for your help.

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.

Field Band Foundation to perform in Norway

Going through "Die Burger" newspaper last week I came across an article by Ema Buffel about South Africa sending a field band to the Spilleglede Music Featival in Stavangar Norway. The 53-member South African contingent will join over 9000 musicians and 240 orchestras in performances, street parades, workshops and the Norwegian championships for school orchestras. The fesitval runs from 20-24 June and the band will spend 10 days in Flanders on their way to Norway. The Field Band Foundation was started in 1997 and now has 26 bands with 4000 members nationally. The Foundation aims to provide access to the performing arts to young people who would not normally have the opportunity. What an honour! Angela

In the Nik

Last Saturday (17th) we went to see Nick Rabinowitz at On Broadway. It is the first time that we had seen him and he was brilliant. He uses a combination of English, Afrikaans and Xhosa to comment on daily life. The problem with seeing comedians is that I either can't remember the punchline or else it is definitely not funny if I try to retell a joke. He is definitely on my list of people to follow. Angela

Classicfeel and Bravo

The Western Cape is being spoilt with two new local publications about the theatre and culture. Classicfeel has been available in Gauteng and has now gone national. It is a beautiful magazine which covers all aspects of culture with the majority of articles about South African artists - what a pleasure. Bravo is an Afrikaans magazine that will be published quarterly. This issue focusses on the ABSA KKNK festival that was recently held in Oudtshoorn - featuring the different Afrikaans actors. I am sure that the next will feature the National Arts Festival at Grahamstown.

Both are great reads and give lovely background information into our vibrant arts scene - a definite must have.
Angela