Utopia explores the state of waiting …. for change, for promises, for the perfect world … and the role that we do or don’t play in the creation of it. Following the story of a young boy who is searching for utopia, the play questions what makes the perfect world and what are the sacrifices we need to or are willing to make in order to exist in such a world. Drawing off the experience of millions of South Africans who are still waiting for the world that was promised in 1994, Utopia asks the question – can it ever exist? The cast includes Ntombi Makhutshi, Aphiwe Menziwa, Kabi Thulo and Khayalethu Mofu.
Thando Doni is a young theatre maker who has a wide range of experience. Growing up through the ranks of Manyanani Entertainers in Khayelitsha and with a foundation training at AMAC (the old CAP) he then went on to do a 2 year training course at Magnet Theatre. He has worked closely, as a performer, with Mandla Mbothwe on a number of different productions and has been a long-time committed member of the Bonfire Theatre Company troupe. As a director Doni draws off his vast range of experience as a performer with a wide range of directors. With about 4 productions under his belt, attention is being drawn to the work that he is creating. Working in lyrical Xhosa combined with a rigorous physical language, and borrowing aesthetics from African ritual, poetry and movement, Doni’s interest lies in the manner in which a simple story is told. Those who saw Mhla Salamana at the Zabalaza Festival in March 2012, for which he won Best Director, will testify to the lyrical brutality that left the audience shattered.
Utopia will run at the Theatre Arts Admin Collective – Cnr Milton and Wesley Street, Observatory from 22-25 August 2012. Tickets will cost R40 and can be booked by calling 021 447 3683 or emailing artsadmin@mweb.co.za.
Start: 22 Aug ’12
End: 25 Aug ’12
Cost: R40
Category: Emerging Theatre Directors Bursary, Performance
Organizer: Theatre Arts Admin Collective
Phone: +27 21 447 3683
Email: artsadmin@mweb.co.za
Venue: Theatre Arts Admin Collective
Phone: +27 21 447 3683
Address: Cnr Wesley and Milton Streets, Observatory, South Africa