THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS Will Make Its Cape Town Debut May 19

Mike Daisey's THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS arrives on South African shores at the "book club for theatre lovers", Play Club following a string of controversial worldwide press. Described as a "razor-sharp, witty, hilarious and harrowing tale of pride, beauty, lust and industrial design", this reading will be simultaneously kicking off Play Club's newly-formed partnership with sponsors, Sanders South Africa.

Though traditionally performed as a "one-hander" monologue, this upcoming reading will be adapted and divided between some of Cape Town's finest, including Chi Mhende (SPECIAL THANKS TO GUESTS FROM AFAR), Adam Neill (TWELFTH NIGHT), Andrew Roux (HISTORY OF THE WORLD), Candice van Litsenborgh (SUNSET BOULEVARD), Faniswa Yisa (VOICES MADE NIGHT), Jessica Sutton (ACT student), all lead as an ensemble starring Daniel Barnett (NOISES OFF). The panel for the afternoon will feature playwright and critic Megan Furniss, Fleur du Cap's Marina Griebenow, filmmaker Matthew Kalil, ACT Cape Town's director Candice Michelle Poole and City Council and the DA's Rose Rau. The event is to be moderated by New York producer and director, Drew Rienstra, artistic director of Chase The Sun Productions.

The play opens Play Club's series on "Identity," exploring scripts that delve into the true self.

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS illuminates how Apple's technology shapes our lives, and follows the trail all the way to China to investigate the factories where millions toil to make iPhones, iPods, iPads and Macs. The script shines a light on our love affair with our gadgets, and the human cost of creating them.

In February 2012, playwright Mike Daisey released a transcript of his monologue to the public, and encouraged other actors and artists to adapt the piece and spread his message. Following an appearance on the American public radio program, THIS AMERICAN LIFE, it was revealed that several of the claims in his work were fabrications. A firestorm of media attraction followed, and THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS became as well known for its controversy as it was for its dramatic stories of Apple, Steve Jobs and Chinese labour practices. The re-imagining of the work from a single monologue to a fully fleshed out ensemble addresses the controversy surrounding the play and examines the lengths we go to expose the truth.

Play Club is a monthly initiative of Chase The Sun to build a community among theatre lovers. This brings a well-established New York theatre platform, where the simplicity of a script reading becomes an intimate forum to discover the best modern plays, debut new talent, and allow for engaged discussions. The panel consists of top industry professionals to add commentary and insight, making it a truly memorable afternoon. Play Club has played host to some of South Africa's top and up-and-coming actors, directors, educators, filmmakers, producers, playwrights and composers, all mixed with theatregoers who share their passion for the theatre.

Play Club presents THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS in collaboration with Sanders South Africa on Sunday, 19 May at 3:30pm at Sanders' showroom in The Palms Centre in Woodstock. Tickets are available on Quicket.co.za - R175, and R75 for students. The booking includes wine, snacks and a copy of the script. The Palms features off-street parking in their covered parking garage.

Please note that the play has mature language and may be offensive to sensitive ears.

For more information, visit www.PlayClub.co.za, #PlayClub