MULTIPLE award-winning writer, designer and director Neil Coppen has adapted and created an all new theatrical version of George Orwell’s timeless classic novel, Animal Farm, which takes to the stage at The Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban from 12 to 16 August with a week of school’s performances planned.
Coppen claims that while the themes, characters and ideas behind Orwell’s text, first published in 1945, will remain unchanged, his production will tell the story with a uniquely South African slant to ensure it has relevance and topicality for contemporary audiences.
Nobulali Production commissioned for the novel to be adapted in order to create a work that would speak to an African context. There’s also an all-female cast who make for an electric ensemble. The cast includes three KZN actresses (now based in JHB) Mpume Mthombeni (Napoleon), Mandisa Nduna (Squealer) and Zesuliwe Hadebe (Clover), Naledi award -winning actress Khutjo Bakunzi-Green (who won best actress for her performance in Gina Shmukler’s The Line) playing Boxer and the remarkable Momo Matsunyane is Snowball.
Heading up Coppen’s creative team is frequent collaborator Tina Le Roux who has lit the show and choreographer Daniel Buckland– who recently returned from performing abroad with Cirque du Soleil-and is the son of movement maestro Andrew Buckland.
Producer Lali Dangazele believes that this work really encourages pupils to think critically around the reoccurring patterns of power and corruption within political systems and structures. “This is a current high school set-work, and as the country celebrates 20 years of democracy- I couldn’t imagine a more important time to be having these discussions with emerging pupils and leaders,” said Dangazele.
The production is followed by a question and answer session. Coppen said the production is essential viewing for all high school pupils, even those who may not be currently studying the text.
Shows will run at 9am and 12pm daily for the school performances and there will be two public performances on Saturday 16 August at 3pm and again at 7pm.
Tickets cost R70 per pupil, (accompanying teachers free) or R80 each for the public performance. To book, contact 011 057 5088 or e-mail bookings@shakexperience.com
Bookings will be on a first come first serve basis so early booking is advised.
