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 great music, there is endless entertainment at this iconic theatre.
Also read: What you can watch at the Baxter Theatre this May
Here’s what you can expect to see at the Artscape this May:
The Pearl Fishers
Opera aficionados and classical music lovers may revel in knowing that Cape Town Opera’s semi-staged production of George Bizet’s masterful French opera, The Pearl Fishers (Les pêcheurs de perles), has returned two years after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the first full house run of the production.
In Bizet’s 1863 opera, composed to a French libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré, a lifelong friendship is tested when a rivalry breaks out between fishermen Zurga and Nadir who both fall in love with the beautiful priestess, Leïla. She, in turn, finds herself torn between a sacred oath and secular love.
Alongside an all-star cast, including soloists Lukhanyo Moyake, Conroy Scott, Brittany Smith and Reuben Mbonambi, one of the world’s celebrated bel canto tenors Levy Sekgapane, will make his debut as Nadir.
In addition to the heart-wrenching story directed by Elisabeth Manduell, Matthew Wild’s original concept and vivid artwork by celebrated artist Shakil Solanki, the audience can expect to be entranced by stirring music brought to life by the Cape Town Opera Chorus and Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Date: 10 to 14 May 2023
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: R140 to R600
My Fellow South Africans
It’s no secret that South Africans are going through a lot at the moment. So, of course, a 65-minute, multi-sketch revue on contemporary South Africa is just the tonic we all need at this point. In the tradition of the award-winning Pay Back the Curry, State Fracture and Land Acts, My Fellow South Africans is a satire at its best.
Under the direction of award-winning playwright, Mike van Graan and featuring cartoons by Zapiro, the talented Kim Blanché Adonis performs this solo piece that combines comedy, poetry, singing and drama. The high-energy performance comprises older, updated and new sketches.
Among many others, there’s the one-way ticket to ‘Status Junk’ courtesy of SAA; a tour guide that offers a ride in the only car that has not been hijacked (the cable car); a production of Romeo and Juliet to address racism between ‘black’ and brown’ communities on the Cape Flats, with Romeo from Pinelands and Juliet from Manenberg; Shakespeare doing a TIXERB (BREXIT in reverse) as he seeks to invest and buy a Hamlet in South Africa.
‘Escape the darkness with light entertainment.’
- Date: 3 to 20 May 2023
- Duration: 65 minutes
- Cost: R95 (Children between ages 16 and 18) | R145 (Adults) | R120 (Bock booking – 10+)
Art: Self Expression
‘Self Expression’, an exhibition by 21-year-old artist Léshaan-Shane Onton, focuses on the dreams and perceptions of one’s inner self.
In February of last year, the artist displayed a piece depicting gang initiation entitled Dodging Bullets at the launch of the Leeuwenhof Slave Quarters Remembrance Gallery. It was curated by historian Joline Young.
Born and raised in Mitchells Plain, Léshaan-Shane is a self-taught artist who began her creative journey by drawing every day since she was eight. Today, she finds herself as a first-year concept art student at the The Academy of Digital Arts.
Léshaan endured being bullied as a child and continued to face more hardships as she grew older. Art became her means of escapism to help her cope with life. As an artist, her work serves as an expression of her inner world and emotions.
As part of the Artscape’s commitment to supporting young upcoming artists, ‘Self Expression’ will be on display until 21 May in the Marble Foyer Extension.
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.
- Date: 18 May to 2 June 2023
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: R80
My Children! My Africa!
An award-winning cast, including two-time Fleur du Cap winner, Jenny Stead, brings Athol Fugard’s seminal 1989 play, My Children! My Africa! to visceral life in a searing new production that promises to be one of the must-see dramas of the 2023 theatre season.
Written by Fugard during the twilight years of the Apartheid regime when the country faced unmatched turbulence, My Children! My Africa! is a profound exploration presenting a candid and moving portrait of a country on the verge of revolution.
Set in a township classroom in the Eastern Cape in 1984, idealistic teacher Mr M (played by Dobs Madotyeni), attempts to instill a love of learning in his gifted pupil, Thami (played by rising theatre star, Lungile Lallie), but political unrest and the generational divide soon culminate in an explosive conflict with tragic consequences.
This modern classic is Fugard’s hymn to the power of youth, education, hope and ideas and marks an indispensable viewing not only for fans of Fugard’s work, but for teachers, students and general theatre lovers alike.
- Date: 11 May to 3 June 2023
- Duration: 140 minutes
- Cost: R100 (no under 13)
We Will Rock You
Showtime Management, in conjunction with Selladoor Worldwide, Carlos Candal, Gavin Kailin Productions and Limelight Productions, presents a brand-new production of Queen and Ben Elton’s multi-award-winning rock musical We Will Rock You.
The highly talented cast, which is comprised of established performers and fresh new talent making their musical theatre debut, will soon be jetting off to a series of international engagements. But before that, the team will spend May in the Mother City, inspiring audiences to rock out to the band’s most iconic hits.
The production tells the story of a group of bohemians in a dystopian land. There’s Galileo (played by Stuart Brown) – the dreamer who hears strange words in his head, Scaramoche (played by Nicolette Fernandes) and the villainous Killer Queen (played by Londiwe Dhlomo) who rules Planet Mall with an iron fist.
The audience can expect 24 of Queen’s greatest hits including ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and mega-hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
- Date: 5 May to 4 June 2023
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: R100 to R500
Before- or after-theatre delights
Once you’ve decided on your Artscape Theatre itinerary and begin to plan your days around your selected shows, it’s imperative to include a bite to eat, a drink or three, or a sweet-tooth satisfying treat to indulge in a complete Cape Town experience.
We’ve got you covered with a selection of foodie experiences, all positioned within a 5km radius of the Artscape.
Get your fill:
Let’s face it. For those on a budget, the snackbar during intermission can sometimes become a bit pricey when your stomach starts talking during the show.
To prevent any unwanted commentary, fill up with a 36-piece sushi platter with a tiramisu or slice of cheesecake to share at ByConcept Cafe in Kloof Street.
- Price exclusive to Cape {town} Etc readers R299 / normal price R428.
Dig into a 300g Sirloin Steak and four lamb chops with chips whilst sipping on a glass of Sophie Wine at Bougainvillea Grill & Lounge in the heart of Cape Town in the Point Break Hotel.
- Price exclusive to Cape {town} Etc readers R336 / normal price R490
Make the most of it:
If the Artscape equals date night, you and your loved one may as well make the most of this quality time together. Be it before or after, why not pull out all the stops?
Indulge in a 3-course meal for two including select starters, mains and desserts (excludes drinks) in the relaxed yet elegant setting of The Quarter Kitchen at the Portswood Hotel.
- Price exclusive to Cape {town} Etc readers R499 / normal price R870.
If your not in the mood for three full course, but still looking for a culinary experience, opt for a 2-course meal for two at the Clipper Restuarant situated on the Marina of the V&A Waterfront. Choose between select starters and mains, or select mains and desserts using only the finest and freshest ingredients.
- Price exclusive to Cape {town} Etc readers R399 / normal price R680
End the evening off the right way:
Is there a better way to end the night off than at WhiskyShop in the V&A Waterfront? Picture you and your loved one discussing the show while embarking on a flavour journey through three delicious whisky-based cocktails for two, carefully constructed by expert bartenders? We think not.
- Price exclusive toCape {town}Etc readers R330 / normal price R530
Also read:
Popcorn at the ready: Here are the Labia Theatre’s May showtimes
Picture: Artscape / Facebook