The Fugard Bioscope Encore Season Will Be Presented Sundays in March

Ballet and theatre lovers are in for a treat with The Fugard Bioscope Encore Season on Sundays in March.

The Encore Season presents the most popular titles from The Fugard Bioscope's 2018 line-up, screened on the Fugard's full size high definition cinema screen and a 7.1 dolby digital surround sound system. Productions are recorded live from the world's best theatre, opera and ballet companies, transporting you to the heart of the action on stage.

On 3 March, ballet fans can catch the Bolshoi Ballet's production of romantic masterpiece LA SYLPHIDE, staged by Bournonville expert Johan Kobborg. On the day of his wedding, the young Scotsman James is awoken with a kiss from an ethereal winged creature, a Sylph. Entranced by her beauty, James risks everything to pursue an unattainable love. LA SYLPHIDE is one of the world's oldest surviving ballets, and a treasure in the Danish Bournonville style.

On 10 March, theatre goers can enjoy the National Theatre Live's JULIE, a new version of August Strindberg's play Miss Julie, written by Polly Stenham. Wild and newly single, Julie throws a late night party. In the kitchen, Jean and Kristina clean up as the celebration heaves above them. Crossing the threshold, Julie initiates a power game with Jean - which rapidly descends into a savage fight for survival. BAFTA Award-winning actress Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) and Eric Kofi Abrefa (The Amen Corner) feature in the cast, directed by Carrie Cracknell (NT Live: The Deep Blue Sea).

On 17 March, there is the Royal Ballet's presentation of Kenneth MacMillan's MAYERLING, one of the most demanding roles ever created for a male dancer. A complex work around the psychologically tormented heir to the Habsburg Empire, Crown Prince Rudolf, from the ballet's start, the glamour of the Austro-Hungarian court is contrasted with undercurrents of sexual and political intrigue that drive the story to its violent climax. This ballet, bursting with intensity, madness and passion, proves that sometimes the truth is more scandalous than fiction.

Wrapping up the Encore Season on 24 March is National Theatre Live's THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III by one of Britain's best-loved playwrights, Alan Bennett. It's 1786 and King George III is the most powerful man in the world. But his behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic as he succumbs to fits of lunacy. The cast of this new production includes Olivier Award-winner Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Wolf Hall, NT Live Coriolanus) in the title role.

Screenings take place at the Fugard Theatre on Sundays starting at the earlier time of 10am.Tickets cost R100 and can be booked directly through the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or online at www.thefugard.com There is a 20% discount for Friends of the Fugard and a 15% discount for pensioners. These discounted tickets are available through the box office.

The Fugard foyer bar is open from 9am on Sundays, serving a range of delicious light snacks as well as the finest coffee and selection of drinks.

For further information about the 2018 Fugard Bioscope season visit www.thefugard.com.