UCT Drama Presents TOUCHED BY BARNEY SIMON: A RETROSPECTIVE This May

By: May. 11, 2015
Barney Simon

The University of Cape Town Drama Department, in partnership with the Baxter Theatre Centre, will commemorate the life and work of Barney Simon in a season of plays when it stages TOUCHED BY BARNEY SIMON: A RETROSPECTIVE from 12 - 23 May at the Little and Arena Theatres.

Two decades after his passing, Barney Simon's body of work continues to speak to contemporary South Africa, simultaneously reminding theatre-makers, performers and audiences of the country's rich and painful history. Simon's immense contribution to the canon of theatre in the country, as playwright, director and dramaturge, is celebrated in a festival of five back-to-back productions, including CINCINNATI (directed by Jacqui Singer), BLACK DOG/INJ'EMNYAMA (directed by Clare Stopford), WOZA ALBERT! (directed by Mdu Kweyama) and BEGREERTE (directed by Amy Jephta). The fifth production in the season, HAVE YOU SEEN ZANDILE? (directed by directed by Ntombi Makhutshi), was created by Gcina Mhlophe who worked closely with Simon at the Market Theatre.

Following the UCT Drama season, the Baxter Theatre will present BORN IN THE RSA in July after it premieres at the National Festival of the Arts in Grahamstown. These six iconic productions highlight the continued relevance of Simon's work to present day South Africa and commend the legacy of one of the country's most beloved theatre-makers.

In addition to the productions, the Drama Department will host a symposium on the life and work of Barney Simon to coincide with this commemorative season. The symposium will take place from 10am - 1pm on 16 May at Hiddingh Hall and will feature a talk by Mannie Manim alongside a panel of guest speakers.

BLACK DOG/INJ'EMNYAMA runs at the Arena Theatre and the double bill of WOZA ALBERT! and HAVE YOU SEEN ZANDILE? at the Little Theatre from 14-16 May, with performances taking place at 8pm nightly along with Saturday matinees at 2pm. CINCINNATI ( at the Arena) and BEGEERTE (at the Little) run at the same times from 21-23 May. Tickets cost R70 for each of the productions and can be booked by emailing Nabeelah Khan, who can also be contacted for reservations for the symposium.

BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - South Africa

1
BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards December 5th Standings; MATILDA - THE MUSICAL, MERRIFIEL Photo
BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards December 5th Standings; MATILDA - THE MUSICAL, MERRIFIELD COLLEGE Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2
A YULETIDE CHRISTMAS to Play The Drama Factory This Month Photo
A YULETIDE CHRISTMAS to Play The Drama Factory This Month

A YULETIDE CHRISTMAS at The Drama Factory is a musical celebration of the holiday season, featuring the extraordinary talents of Delicia van Wyk, Morgan King, and Andy Murray. Get all the details here!

3
SPRING AWAKENING to Return to South Africa By Popular Demand in 2024 Photo
SPRING AWAKENING to Return to South Africa By Popular Demand in 2024

SPRING AWAKENING (SOUTH AFRICA) to return by popular demand in March/April 2024. LAMTA announces the hit rock musical's extended season in Cape Town & Joburg. Don't miss this riveting and boundary-pushing production exploring self-discovery and rebellion.

4
Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Theatre on the Bay Is a Masterpiece: Mesmerising, Menacing, an Photo
Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Theatre on the Bay Is a Masterpiece: Mesmerising, Menacing, and Moving

If you have read any of my LAMTA show reviews before, you’ll know that I’m an avid fangirl of their productions. And while I always rave because the raving is deserved, SPRING AWAKENING, as LAMTA’s first performance of a full-scale musical, is extra special and extra rave-worthy. As always, with LAMTA shows, the energy crackles.

More Hot Stories For You

Videos


Tell Me On A Sunday in South Africa Tell Me On A Sunday
Avalon Auditorium, Homecoming Centre, District Six (4/24-4/28)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You