Animal Farm is on in Jozi
JOBURG – Addressing corruption and crime, the farm animals in the renowned tale, Animal Farm.
After a sold-out run in Pretoria and Durban, the award-winning local production of the classic novel, Animal Farm returns to Joburg.
Director Neil Coppen’s version of George Orwell’s timeless work of satire kicked off at The Market Theatre on 20 September and is on for two weeks.
Featuring an entrenched class system, political corruption, malicious usurpers of power, and a naive working class, Animal Farm, may have been written in 1945 and was based on the history of Soviet communism, but South Africans may find some of the themes disturbingly familiar.
Using animals on an English farm, Orwell based certain characters on Communist Party leaders, such as Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky being depicted by pigs Napoleon and Snowball. It was adapted for an African context by Coppen in 2014.
“It still remains incredibly relevant, especially when we look at the past decade or so of South African politics,” said Lali Dangazele, managing director of Nobulali Productions.
“Animal Farm shows us how power can corrupt, and how the formerly oppressed can become the oppressors. It encourages the audience to think critically about the reoccurring patterns of power and corruption within political systems and structures.”
In an ironic twist, the entire production – except for Coppen and choreographer Daniel Buckland – is run by women, including the producers, stage manager and lighting designer Tina le Roux. Animal Farm may reflect histories that are inherently patriarchal and oppressive, yet it is no longer told by men.
World-renowned facilitator, Jonothan Neelands will make his way to Joburg to offer workshops on Animal Farm and other drama-based workshops in the second week of the run. Theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to join him on 28 September at 2pm for the workshop.
After a national tour, several five-star reviews, sold-out shows, standing ovations and two Naledi Theatre Awards, Animal Farm is a not-to-be-missed show.
It’s currently on at The Market Theatre and runs until 2 October.
Details: 083 246 4950; 079 946 3071; www.ShakeXperience.com
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