Story, Truth and Victimhood Under the Spotlight in COURT at Alexander Bar's Upstairs Theatre

Canned Rice Productions will return to the Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre in July with COURT, a new 65-minute drama written by Candice van Litsenborgh, who scripted FROM THE HEART, which played two seasons at the same popular Capetonian venue earlier this year.

Tawny's life would be perfectly ordinary if it weren't for the fact that 22 years ago she was "the girl" in a high-profile celebrity rape case. Caught between running from a story that she does not want to tell and knowing that the media chase will not end until she speaks out, COURT explores the mutability of story, truth and victimhood.

A fictional story inspired, in part, by the life and experiences of Samantha Geimer, who as 13-year-old girl Samantha Gailey was the central figure in the Roman Polanski rape case, COURT features two actresses, Candice van Litsenbourgh and Claire-Louise Worby, portraying one woman who has been pursued for 22 years for "the truth".

Van Litsenborgh is a Fleur Du Cap and Naledi Theatre Award nominated actress for her performance as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, for which she won the 2015 BroadwayWorld South Africa Best Actress in a Musical award. She was also named one of the top 5 actresses of 2015 by Die Reviewer. Her performance credits include VACANCY, which opens tonight at the Alexander Bar, SWEENEY TODD, SUNSET BOULEVARD, and SHOW BOAT. COURT is her first full-length original play.

Worby graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts and kicked off her career in Los Angeles, performing in sketch comedy shows such as SO YOU THINK YOU CAN LAUGH? and taking on roles in indie films like CEREAL and LOSSED and television (REAL COWBOYS: WYATT EARP, SAF3). This is Worby's debut on a South African stage, with her directorial work showcased in VACANCY. ON stage, she has appeared in ARESENIC AND OLD LACE, DESDEMONA, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and POPPY.

COURT is directed by Richard Wright-Firth, whose directing credits include UNDERSTUDY BLUES and FROM THE HEART. Wright-Firth who can currently be seen on television playing Muldoon on the Starz International series, BLACK SAILS, and on stage in VACANCY, was also a member of the BBC's famed radio drama company as well as being a lecturer and director at Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts, one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world.

COURT runs at the Alexander Bar's Upstairs Theatre from 4 - 16 July at 21:00, with tickets costing R90 - R100. Bookings can be made online at the Alexander Bar website or purchased at the bar. For telephone bookings and enquiries, call 021 300 1652. Alexander Bar & Café is situated at 76 Strand Street in the Cape Town city centre and can be followed onFacebook and Twitter. The show carries a warning for adult content and strong language.

To post a comment, you must register and login.