Cape Town - As the festive season approaches, families in Cape Town can look forward to a delightful celebration of theatre at the Magnet Theatre's Summer Season.
Kicking off on Saturday, November 30 and running until Friday, December 13, this exciting end-of-year programme promises a plethora of performances catering to audiences from toddlers to teenagers and beyond.
Magnet Theatre in Observatory is renowned for its commitment to storytelling and community engagement.
The summer festivities feature three performances each day at 10am, 12.30pm, and 7.30pm, culminating in an enriching experience for audiences of all ages.
Starting invited to at 10am, families are immerse themselves in Mina Thina, a whimsical production designed for children aged three to seven-years-old but sure to amuse viewers of all generations.
Directed by the talented Jennie Reznek, this enchanting show explores themes of community, connection, and the dualities of solitude and togetherness.
The captivating 40-minute experience features a visually dynamic combination of song, dance, and shadow puppetry, performed by a vibrant cast that includes Melusi Molefe, Yvonne Msebenzi, and Lusanda Soboyise.
The midday performance, Glimmer, returns due to popular demand at 12.30pm. Originally showcased in August, this timely production directed by Roshina Ratnam speaks to the challenges facing today's youth,
delving into the intricate and often perilous world of online interactions.
This thought-provoking performance has garnered immense praise from audiences and critics alike, making it a must-see for parents navigating similar issues with their teens.
The stellar cast, featuring Lusanda Soboyise, Karabo H Banda, Buhle T Stefane, and others, promises to deliver a powerful performance brimming with relevance.
In the evenings at 7.30pm it will feature a showcase of three new solo shows penned by emerging playwrights Khanya Ngcuka, Jenna Fish, and Nasfa Ncanywa, each supported by industry veterans Mark Fleishman, Mandla Mbothwe, and Jennie Reznek. These productions provide an invaluable platform for young theatre makers to shine while tackling important social narratives.
Pumla’s Song by Khanya Ngcuka presents a unique perspective on motherhood and struggle, intertwining memory and gesture.
Unpacking Mr Becker by Jenna Fish, in collaboration with Robin Kitto, takes audiences on a journey through the cluttered spaces of memory and experience, disclosing the truths often left in the shadows.
Intsebenzo by Nasfa Ncanywa reflects on the absence of black domestic workers and the resulting repercussions for their children, connecting audiences with powerful themes of family and sacrifice.
A special feature will include a reworked production of Uhambo (The Travelling) led by Buhle T Stefane, exploring mental health and the liberating nature of artistic expression through dance.
Jennie Reznek, one of the company's co-founders, expressed her excitement for this festive season.
“Our Summer Season is an allround, end-of-year celebration: of theatre, young audiences, families, storytelling and of the talented force of our incredible Magnet Theatre Youth Company. This festival marks the end of their six months in the Magnet theatre building.
“Theatre has the power to engage, entertain, teach and delight us all at once. Come and share the magic of theatre, family and friends at our final festival for the year.”
Following the success of the recent performance mAnJE! MaNJe, this summer season reaffirms Magnet Theatre's role as a prominent cultural cornerstone, fostering a love for performance art among audiences.
Join Magnet Theatre from 30 November to 13 December at their home in Observatory, located at the corner of Lower Main and St Michael's Roads.
venecia.valentine