Fiona Ramsay and Tony Bentel)The Playhouse Company’s highly anticipated 16th South African Women’s Arts Festival (SAWAF) festival opens with Matthew Hurt’s critically acclaimed Sailing Somewhere, with songs written by Conor Mitchell.
This one-woman play is a sometimes funny, sometimes haunting portrait of a woman’s voyage across the stormy waters of her life. Counting the days until she docks, a lounge singer on a cruise ship faces a painful dilemma: whether or not to be reunited with her estranged daughter. As she gets closer to land, she gets closer to facing herself as well.
This darkly funny show premiered in 2011 to rave reviews and stars top South African actress Fiona Ramsay with Tony Bentel accompanying her on the piano. The production is directed by Vanessa Cooke, designed by Andrew Botha and produced by Mark Hawkins.
“We are thrilled to open the festival with such a powerful production,” says The Playhouse Company’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini. “Funny, dramatic and thought-provoking, Sailing Somewhere is not to be missed, and Fiona Ramsay’s performance is a staggering achievement.”
Held during Women’s Month every year, SAWAF has a long history of supporting women’s arts and creating valuable dialogue, whilst showcasing cutting edge productions. This year’s festival comprises an exciting mix of drama, poetry, dance and music. Through these productions, SAWAF seeks to highlight important issues that affect the lives of contemporary South African women, and celebrate their triumphs.
Sailing Somewhere runs in the Playhouse Loft on August 3, 4 and 5. Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or The Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 or 031 369 9596.
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