"The play was inspired by a conversation I had with psychotherapist Tony Hamburger," said writer and director Lara Foot. "It was motivated, in a sense, by a time in Cape Town when South Africa felt desperate both politically and socially. The actor Brett Goldin was murdered in 2006, just before the company was due to leave for Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK to perform in the Baxter Theatre Centre's production of Hamlet (which Janet directed) at the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company's Complete Works Festival. So sifting through all this, I found a symbol of life that exists in unlikely relationships."
Suzman, who received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her lead in the film Nicholas and Alexandra, stars alongside newcomer Khayalethu Anthony, selected from 14 actors who went through a rigorous audition process. "I started Googling the name 'Janet Suzman' just after I heard that I got the role," Anthony said. "I felt like I [had] a mountain to climb. She is a world-class actress with an incredible performance reputation. To share the same stage with one of the finest actors in the world is more than a privilege for me; it is more than an honour. It just simply is the best thing that has happened to me in my life."
Salmon and Marion is at Cape Town's Baxter Theatre until 20 July. Tickets are available from Computicket.
Dentsu 19 hours
SAMRA 17 hours
