Magnet Theatre to Host Special Performance of I TURNED AWAY AND SHE WAS GONE on 25 February

On 25 February, Magnet Theatre hosts a special performance of II TURNED AWAY AND SHE WAS GONE. Audience members will have the unique opportunity to share the insights and experiences of a panel of respected authors, artists, writers and storytellers at a post-show discussion. The production starts at the slightly earlier time of 19:00 on that evening.

The show, which has been nominated for four Fleur du Cap awards, is Jennie Reznek's acclaimed return to the stage. A captivating reworking of the Demeter-Persephone story, it poetically explores the relationship between three generations of women - daughter, mother and grandmother - and the journey through the different stages of life.

At this special event, Reznek will be joined after the show for a discussion with writer, poet and storyteller Diana Ferrus; author and visual artist Ingrid Winterbach; director, playwright, CEO and Artistic Director of the Baxter Theatre Centre Lara Foot; poet, playwright and performer, Malika Ndlovu; CEO of Artscape, Marlene le Roux; and singer, songwriter, musician and author, Tina Schouw. The evening will be chaired by writer, editor and columnist, Joonji Mdyogolo. Reznek comments:

This is an incredible, one-off opportunity to listen to this group of inspiring, prolific and amazing South African women, share their stories with us. We are honoured that they have agreed to join us to talk about their own experiences of growing up, growing old, letting go and transforming through all the different life stages that human beings have to embrace - topics which the play explores.

Written and performed by Reznek, the production is directed by Mark Fleishman (HEART OF REDNESS; VOICES MADE NIGHT); designer Craig Leo (TALL HORSE; OR YOU COULD KISS ME; LONDON ROAD;WAR HORSE); choreographer Ina Wichterich (EVERY YEAR, EVERY DAY, I AM WALKING; CARGO; RAIN IN A DEAD MAN'S FOOTPRINT; BIKO'S QUEST) and original music by Neo Muyanga (BLK Sonshine; THE FLOWER OF SHEMBE; MEMORY OF HOW IT FEELS). Videography is by Sanjin Muftic.

Magnet Theatre has been at the forefront of the theatre industry for 28 years, creating groundbreaking educational programmes and South African productions that have toured nationally and abroad to acclaim across four continents and 24 international festivals.

On Thursday 25 February, I TURNED AWAY AND SHE WAS GONE starts at 19:00 at the Magnet Theatre on the corner of Lower Main and St Michael's Roads in Observatory. Ample parking is available next to the theatre. There is limited seating, so booking through Webtickets is essential. Tickets cost R 130 with concessions for scholars, students, pensioners and groups of 10 or more at R65 a ticket.

Magnet Theatre's work is made possible thanks to the generous support of organisations such as the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), National Arts Council, Rand Merchant Bank, Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, HCI Foundation, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Johannesburg Repertory Players, Ralph-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation and Distell Foundation.