Celebrated work at The Playhouse Company

THE real-life story of cultural icon, Can Themba comes to life on stage at the Playhouse Loft theatre from 3 to 7 May as the Playhouse Company kicks off its New Stages season.

Crepuscule (which means ‘twilight’) is written by Themba and adapted for the stage by Khayelihle Dom Gumede. It is a story about human connection and the search for freedom and humanity in a world that sought to deny it. The Playhouse Company CEO and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini, said New Stages is about celebrating authentic South African works that are entertaining, creative, original and thought provoking.

Crepuscule had smash hit seasons at the Market Theatre and at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. The play is directed by Khayelihle Dom Gumede, who won Best Director for his vivid interpretation of the story at last year’s Naledi Awards. The production received six Naledi nominations in 2016. It boasts a steallar cast with Nat Ramabulana playing Can Themba and Kate Liquorish as his romantic partner. Lerato Mvelase plays Baby/Kleinboy, Nhlanhla Mahlangu is Stan, Matthew Lotter plays Malcolm, and Thami Ngoma plays Ous Lethabo/Mama Dora/Sis Pretty.

The original Can Themba story is believed to be an interpretation of Themba’s real life love affair with a white woman by the name of Jean Hart during the 1950s. Set in the often revered and romanticised world of Sophiatown, the play asks a range of pertinent and contemporary socio-political questions. Themba and Hart’s illicit relationship across the apartheid ‘colour bar’ serves as a means to unpack just how much of our identity is formed by our environment and how much is shaped by our choices as individuals.

Schools performances are at 11am on 3, 4 and 5 May. Schools performances, at R30 per learner, can be booked by calling 031 369 9407. Public performances take place at 7.30pm on 5 May, 2pm and 7.30pm on 6 May, and at 2pm on 7 May. Tickets for these performances are available via Computicket or Shoprite Checkers at R80 each.