From Table Mountain to Table Bay, the Mother City boasts a contemporary mix of historic and modern landmarks. One of which is the Artscape Theatre Centre in Foreshore.
It’s a vibrant and multifaceted arts centre that showcases a world of performing arts and creative excellence. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out, a good laugh, an evening of profound perspective or an appreciation of dance and music, there is endless entertainment at this iconic theatre.
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Check out the Artscape Theatre’s lineup for May:
Buzani Ku Bawo
Buzani Ku Bawo (Ask My Father) will be staged in a partnership between Artscape and Classica SA. This play deals with arranged marriage and how the tradition was originally practised in Xhosa culture.
Published in 1958, the play was made popular as a radio drama on what was then Radio Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Showcasing the power of God-given love, the play tells the tragic tale of Zwilakhe, a father who ensures that the custom of arranged marriages is upheld as he chooses an idyllic woman for his disapproving son, Gugulethu. Zwilakhe’s authority divides his family and leaves him to face the consequences alone.
Like most tragedies, Buzani ku Bawo touches on the themes of promise, passion and disaster.
- Dates: 15 to 24 May
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: R80
- Tickets: Webtickets
Exodus (Movement of the People)
Celebrating Africa Month and 30 years of democracy, the internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, educator and versatile musician Bongani Sotshononda is set to take audiences on an electrifying journey showcasing the evolution of music over the past two decades and into the 21st century.
Alongside a nine-piece orchestral ensemble featuring a diverse group of internationally recognised South African musicians, Exodus Music will be enriched by an eclectic blend of indigenous, Western and classical instruments as well as a vocal ensemble.
- Dates: 16 to 19 May
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cost: R150 to R200
- Tickets: Webtickets
I Got Rhythm
Ballet meets jazz as Cape Town City Ballet celebrates its 90th year, performing David Nixon’s full-length, jazzy ballet set to George Gershwin’s magnificent music played big-band style by The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra with singers from Cape Town Opera.
Audience members can expect exquisite costumes, international and South African guest artists, as well as familiar music from An American in Paris, Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm and more.
- Dates: 17 to 26 May
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cost: R200 to R750
- Tickets: Webtickets
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Childish Adult
A hilarious comedy show that you’d expect from an almost 40-year-old who refuses to grow up. Think penchant childish antics and slapstick humour – after all, it’s Tsepiso Nzayo.
With his unique blend of humour and wit and childlike enthusiasm for life (despite being an adult on paper), Tsepiso explores the ups and downs of adulthood, from paying bills and holding down a job to embracing changes while celebrating the joy of staying young at heart.
- Dates: 23 May
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Cost: R150
- Tickets: Webtickets
! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite
In light of May being Africa Month, the Artscape Theatre has teamed up with SboNdaba Dance to celebrate 30 years of our country’s democracy and diversity through our South African motto ‘! ke e: /xarra //ke’, Diverse People Unite which serves as the central theme for the production.
‘We reflect on how far we have come and encourage South Africans to see the incredible depth of our diversity and the power we can give to a vision if we harness our individual strengths and work together with a common purpose,’ says the Artscape.
Directed by Artist Director Sbonakaliso Ndaba and featuring one of South Africa’s golden voices –Vicky Sampson – alongside SboNdaba dancers, acclaimed guest dancers and other African indigenous musicians, the production brings life to a powerful joint vision – the power of our diversity.
- Dates: 24 to 25 May
- Duration: 55 minutes
- Cost: R50 to R150
- Tickets: Webtickets
The Kyle Shepherd Trio Live
Having performed across the globe in prestigious concert halls such as Garaman Hall in Japan and festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada, the Kyle Shepherd Trio will be stepping onto the Artscape Theatre’s stage just days before the recording of their highly-anticipated new album.
Along with multiple award-winning Shepherd on piano, the trio features long-time band members Shane Cooper on double bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums for an evening of jazz.
- Dates: 24 May
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: R150
- Tickets: Webtickets
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Picture: Artscape / Facebook