Performance concert to benefit The Big Issue

"It gives me great pleasure to synergise my work with The Big Issue, and to use theatre to not only raise money for this socially significant cause, but to raise the profile of the magazine," says Van Graan.

"We were very excited when Mike approached us about a fundraiser. A benefit performance of this kind is the perfect opportunity for the public to support The Big Issue, while enjoying a really great show," enthuses editor Donald Paul.

"Hopefully, with more initiatives such as Mike's, the magazine can become self-sufficient within the next two-to-three years, meaning we can then focus all funding on growing and improving our social development programmes."

Satire

Mirror Mirror is a biting and witty fairy-tale satire, which unfolds in a Wizard of Id type land with queens, knights and revolting peasants, and revolves around a queen's demise as she is overthrown from power. Her successors rule in a land where nepotism, corruption and a devastating plague flourish, and where the gap between the rich and the poor grows wider.

Directed by multiple award-winner Geoffrey Hyland, Mirror Mirror presents audiences with the opportunity to see future South African stars in action and to support young, hugely talented graduates as they enter the challenging world of professional performance.

The cast of eight, who play multiple characters, includes Sibongile Balfour, daughter of Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.

"The play takes its title both from the ‘Mirror, Mirror on the Wall' fairytale that determines the style of the piece and the notion that art is a mirror reflecting society back to itself. This is a play that the whole family will relate to, and the post-apartheid generation of young people will find much to enthrall them," explains Van Graan, whose Bafana Republic won the Best One-Person Show category at the 2007 South African Comedy Awards.

Parallels

"The parallels of pre-1994 and contemporary South Africa with Mirror Mirror are evident, but what makes the play unique is that it is the first theatre piece of its kind offering post-Polokwane commentary while tiptoeing through a minefield of contemporary South African issues from government corruption and HIV/Aids to lack of housing and unemployment," says Van Graan. "But, while the issues are pressing, the play's engaging satire provides an unthreatening vehicle for discourse."

Mirror, Mirror will be running at the Baxter Studio at 8.15pm every evening until 9 February. Tickets are R65 for Mondays to Saturday (R55 for senior citizens and block bookings of 10 or more). Dinner/show packages are available at R120 from Mondays to Thursday. R20 of every ticket sold for the benefit performance on Friday 25 January 25 will go to The Big Issue. The money raised from the show will be contributed to The Big Issue's job creation projects.

To book for Mirror, Mirror, go to www.computicket.com or phone the Baxter Theatre Centre box office at +27 (0)21 680 3989.