Lara Foot's Woyzeck at the Baxter
The tale of Woyzeck, directed by Lara Foot, will be showing at Cape Town's Baxter Golden Arrow Studio from 26 August to 11 September at 6.30pm or 8.15pm nightly. This version of the play has been adapted by Foot and is set in a contemporary African landscape.
This is Foot's first new direction project since her appointment as CEO and artistic head of the Baxter Theatre Centre in January. For this world premiere of Woyzeck she is assisted by Mncedisi Shabangu, with set and costume design by Leopold Senekal, lighting design by Patrick Curtis, choreography by Ina Wichterich-Mogane and music by Bongile Mantsai. Newcomer John Ndouma is the singer.
The cast who bring the story to life are: Zoleka Helesi (Udaba Bafazi, House of the Holy Afro), Mdu Kweyama (Shooting Stars, Onnest'Bo), Bongile Mantsai (Udaba Bafazi, Big Dada), Thami Mbongo (The Tempest, Shooting Stars), Chuma Sopotela (The Tempest, Beneath Silent Waters), Apollo Ntshoko (Greensman, Kwamanzi) and Rob van Vuuren (SA's Got Talent, Corné and Twakkie). The entire company, except Van Vuuren, has been performing Karoo Moose at the Baxter.
Sexy, sensual and visual feast
With this production of Woyzeck, Foot continues her signature style of exploring and creating filmic opportunities for the stage, and has come up with a sexy, sensual and visual feast for all serious theatre lovers. "I like to play with dense texts and bring out the elements and characters that they deal with by creating a multi-sensory experience for theatre and film," Foot said.
"I've always wanted to tackle this play. The story is packed with dark intrigue and textured themes: there's love and romance, jealousy, envy, deceit, betrayal, adultery, suicide and murder or homicide. Great stuff to make up the psychological tragedy. It was, however, important to find the perfect collaborators and actors for what I had in mind. I was lucky; I found my dream team and co-creators in the Karoo Moose company with the addition of the extraordinary Rob van Vuuren to complete the picture," she continued.
Dehumanising effects of misguided doctors
The play deals with the dehumanising effects of misguided doctors and the military on a young man's life. It is often seen as "working class" tragedy, though it can also be viewed as having another dimension, portraying the perennial tragedy of human jealousy.
Woyzeck is not recommended for children under 16. The production previews at the Baxter Golden Arrow on 26 and 27 August at 6.30pm, opens on Saturday, 28 August at 6.30pm and runs until 11 September at 6.30pm or 8.15pm nightly. Patrons are encouraged to check starting times when booking. Ticket prices range from R70 for the Baxter Monday special offer, which includes a light meal and show, to R130 at weekends.
Booking is through Computicket on +27 (0)83 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet countrywide. For discounted block, corporate or school bookings, charities or fundraisers contact Sharon on +27 (0)21 680 3962, email sharon.alexander@uct.ac.za or Carmen on +27 (0)21 680 3993, email az.ca.tcu@snraek.nemrac.
