REHEARSALS are underway for Chomi and Undone, the next two plays in Artscape’s annual Spring Drama Season that runs until the end of November featuring four diverse plays and two showcases at the Artscape Arena Theatre.
The season forms part of Artscape’s New Writing Programme devoted to the professional writing and production of new South African plays. The programme receives more than 50 unsolicited scripts per year from playwrights writing in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Once a play has been identified as having promise the playwright works with an editor and director to undertake any re-writing, and the play may then be given a showcase performance or a performed reading.
If well received, it is considered for a full production.
This year’s line-up boasts varied productions from across the country. The programme began with plays chosen by Roy Sargeant, including The Garage Sale, Chomi, Undone, and the showcase Ingubo Emhlophe. The programme was then extended to include Return of the Ancestors by Mike van Graan and Ndithungile Selani, that forms part of the newly introduced Artscape isiXhosa Classics, which are theatrical adaptations of isiXhosa novels.
Undone and Chomi are presented as a double bill, from October 21 to November 1, performing on alternate nights. Undone by Wessel Pretorius is a sensual story of a boy and his dysfunctional family, in which Pretorius portrays numerous roles. Both poetry and comedy abound in this physical performance interlaced with religion and literary references that make it accessible. Awards received include Best Drama production at Woordfees 2012, Best Actor at Aardklop 2012. The play is translated by Hennie van Greunen, directed by Wessel Pretorius and designed by Alfred Rietmann. No under 16s.
Chomi, written by Pfarelo Nemakonde, directed by Motlatji Ditodi and designed by Alfred Rietmann, is set in Johannesburg and follows the lives of four gay 20-something men. No under 18’s. Actors featuring are Mandisi Sindo, Anele Situlweni, Yanga Mkonto, Thabang Sidloyi, Sipho Mahlatshana and Robert Haxton. – Arts writer
l Tickets: R40 to R90, 0861 915 8000, 021 421 7695.