The Hexagon Theatre, based on the
University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, is proud to present its eighth
annual Minifest! This year there is a range of theatre to suit all tastes and
ages: from Dance theatre to Shadow theatre, from realism to absurdism, and from
comedy to drama. There is Environmental theatre for children as well as for
adults, dance accompanied by a live concert pianist, and award winners from
other festivals - all in the space of two days!
The Minifest runs from February 28 to March
1 and offers the following productions.
FEBRUARY 28:
Her
Cradle at 18h00: This is an Environmental theatre
piece inspired by Shadow Theatre and Performance Art, where visual art plays a
major part in the creation of the play. Created and directed by Jessica Killerby,
the show captures the imaginations of the audience through a unique narrative,
using visual performance such as shadow dance, shadow puppetry; employing
various elements of music and physical action. The highly creative piece is
inspired by global warming and environmental issues facing the world today. Her Cradle personifies Nature, allowing
Mother Nature to tell her story in the hope of a better future. The age old
conflict of Mankind versus Nature is brought to life in a highly theatrical and
captivating visual spectacle.
Giving
Birth to My Father at 19h30: The play is written
and directed by Wiseman Mncube, an emerging playwright with a keen desire to
bring stories to the stage. It won runner up Emerging New Artists Audience
Favourite awards at this year’s Musho! festival. This demanding one-woman show
shines the spotlight on a woman who finds herself on the brink of freedom after
18 years behind bars for the murder of her father. Stepping into freedom is the
most frightening thing she has ever had to face. Performed with integrity and
intensity by Ayanda Fali, the play serves to remind us that many people who end
up in jail have been at the receiving end of a flawed judicial system and that
very little is done to support prisoners psychologically so that they can be
ready to take their place in society.
MARCH 1:
A Brave New World at14h00: Suitable for
children aged 8 to 12, Arley’s Workshop presents a uniquely engaging and
entertaining environmental theatre production. Through a combination of high
energy- physical theatre, mime, rap, songs and movement, with equal parts
pathos and humour, they weave together a series of scenes that ask: How do we
create a brave, new world? In a holistic approach inspired by three principles
from the perma culture movement: care for the earth, care for people and return
of surplus (nothing is wasted), they creatively explore a range of themes
through diverse stories. What would we do in a waterless world? Jimmy and Zandi
find out how scarcity can have a powerful influence over our lives. Purity’s
lifeless body lies on the road, a frank look at public transport and the road
as an environment. Julia and Londi visit the Mangroves and encounter a magical
community of life and purpose; a young man, Rory, has established an organic
garden, and has a vision for a world where food sovereignty is possible for
all. He is visited by a mysterious Mr Monsatan who offers to buy his dream. The
production is directed by Chantal Snyman, and performed by Thobani Mbhele and
Sam Hlophe.
The
Shoe Man at 16h00: Winner of the main Audience
Favourite award at this year’s Musho! festival, The Shoe Man premiered at the 24th Annual Masakhane festival in
Soweto where it scooped two awards for best production in the festival as well
as an overall winner of the festival under the drama category. Growing up in a
rural area, a young man known by his nick name "The Shoe Man" take audiences
on a profoundly moving journey that impacts on the education of youth today.
Since there is no school in his area, he is forced to attend one in the closest
town. Passionate about completing his matric, he finds himself conflicted as he
tries to handle the pressure imposed by his peers in his community as well as
struggling to pay his fees at his multiracial school. The show is performed by
Reggie Hoffman and is written and directed by Samson Mlambo.
Hush at 17h30: Dance programme. By hiding behind our insecurities and
constantly trying to protect ourselves and others from the world around us, how
can we truly know what lies beyond? As a society and individually, we all have
our own security blanket. Accompanied by Christopher Duigan on the piano, Bonwa
Mbontsi, Ashleigh Joubert and Tegan Peacock attempt to discover an
understanding of what it means to be protected and fearful by using
contemporary dance to tell a collection of different narratives.
The Bald Prima Donna at 18h30: Eugene
Ionesco’s The Bald Prima Donna has
been given a new twist by director Brenda-Lee Cele who has masterfully adapted
it to a local setting. This is showcasing classic Absurdism in a 21st century
South African context and brings what is essentially a period piece, kicking
and screaming into 2014! This delightful absurdist play mirrors the
ridiculousness of human interactions, as two couples from different cultures
let us observe their relationships. Ionesco's masterpiece and one of the first
absurdist plays, this is a brief and sharp-witted one-act ‘anti-play’. Its main
characteristic is the utter breakdown of every form of communication, leaving
the characters on a stage that becomes the empty reflection of their own vapidness.
Tickets R50 per show at the door only. More
information on email: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za or call 033 260 5537.
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