Playright Aldo Brincat is that first-generation South African of Mauritian, Egyptian and Maltese heritage. Born in mid-60’s South Africa, Brincat, along with his family, find their maturing years playing out against the backdrop of a country in turmoil.
Aldo Brincat’s award winning hit, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here, is a 70 minute, largely autobiographical solo performance, which is driven by a loving father and son relationship – each from different eras and motherlands. Here, Brincat plays an array of characters in and around a fragile young nuclear family – some foreign, some local – all of whom are finding or losing themselves in the ever-changing political landscape that is South Africa. Language, religion, ambition, sexuality, and political leanings are brought into sharp focus as our two lead characters fight off ‘otherness’, while attempting to assert themselves into a volatile new country. Key moments in their lives are juxtaposed against powerful developments in South Africa’s history during the 70s and 80s and, as the effects of apartheid (and its homophobic policies) begin to reach boiling point, family ties threaten to tear apart.
The Moon Looks Delicious From Here is universal in its theme, particularly at this time when the intersectional knock-on effects of migrancy, sexuality, heritage and identity are brought increasingly into our consciousness.
Written and performed by the international multi award winning interdisciplinary artist, Aldo Brincat, and directed by Sjaka September, with music by the multi award winning international composer, performer and producer, Bongiziwe Mabandla.
The show looks at the never ending battle between the queens wives, the disruptive lack of modesty in the laymen, the bad luck that seems to follow the heir and the laughable bad decisions made by the king’s close friends. This seeks to show the similarities between the king and queens and the so called commoner, the most evident similarity being the chaos that comes with the every day life. So maybe we are all kings and queens with our portion of chaos?
The traditional African stories are told using physical and vocal gestures to elevate and honor the ancient art of oral tradition. The storyteller, the bare stage and the graceful gestures will take audiences on imaginative trips across the African continent, moving from Nigeria to Lesotho and every place in between.
Does anyone have any idea what the impact of the pandemic of HIV and AIDS is having on our children and their family life? How does one approach this sensitive subject? Did you know that a live theatre show like, Tand’ Impilo can open up a safe space to discuss the subject and this forum can save lives?
National Children’s Theatre (NCT), kick starts its 2017 season with an upbeat family musical that has a simple but heartwarming message: Accept the skin you’re in! Step inside the world of Freckleface Strawberry who will do anything to get rid of her freckles. This funny, witty, entertaining production will run at NCT from 14 March 2017 during school holidays.
This production has been made possible by the last part of a grant of R2m from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
Based on the best-selling book by actor, Julianne Moore, Freckleface Strawberry The Musical tells the story of a young, red-haired girl with freckles, who is being teased by her school-friends. She tries everything to make herself look like others as she is so embarrassed by the spots that won’t rub off, the hair colour that won’t wash out, the makeup that doesn’t work. In desperation, she comes to school in a ski mask. With the assistance of her helpful and loving friends, Freckleface eventually learns that everyone is different and that’s what makes everyone special.
The delightful songs: Little Freckleface Strawberry, I Like Danny, Kid in the Mask, Be Yourself, Basketball, When You Got Friends, will have the audience bopping on their seats. The high upbeat energy of this feel good show with memorable characters will touch your heart, charm you with its message and have you dancing out of the theatre at its conclusion.
Professional talented actors will keep both children and adults delighted and enthralled. The message is friendship, acceptance and discovering that being different is what makes us unique.
The creative team includes Artistic Director: Francois Theron, Musical Director: Rowan Bakker, Original Choreography: Shelly Adriaanzen and restaged by Phillida Le Roux, Costume Design: Sarah Roberts, Set Design: Stan Knight and Lighting Design: Jane Gosnell.
An educational enrichment guide is available for schools to use as support material in the classroom.
When: 14 March to 13 April 2017
Time: Daily at 10:30 and 14:30 during government school holidays; 1½ hours with a short intermission
Where: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Tours To schools can be arranged
Ticket prices: Tickets for chairs are R120 and tickets for cushions are R100.00. Tickets for Pensioner’s are R100.00. Phone Claudy or Zuki on 011 484 -1584/5 or email bookings@nullnctt.org.za . There is ample free, safe parking available within the grounds. Note Booking is essential as some days we tour to schools.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Visit our website on www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/117104588327503/ and keep up to date with production news on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCTParktown and Instagram: https://instagram.com/nctparktown/
When a father of the house passed away he states on his will that he left 2.5 million for his son Zweli. Zoliswa the wife is not happy with that, because she was only given a house and then she decides to find ways to kill his son in order to get hold of the money. Zoliswa used Pastor Ngema to do the dirty work, she instructed Pastor Ngema to convince Zweli to transfer the money to her account. Zweli knew the set up and used his father’s old plan the Purple Apple to find the real truth.
Growing up in rural area a young man known by his nick name “The Shoe Man” take us through a journey that may change the lives of South African youth today. He is forced to attend high school in a closest town, since he is waiting for the government to build one in his area. Passionate about completing his matric, he struggles to survive through depressions posed by children from his community and settling his fees at his multiracial school. (The play is dedicated to the late Andile “King, Jesus” Mdletshe)
Hans is baie ongelukkig, want sy broers het elkeen ‘n groot erfporsie by hul pa gekry, en hy het vir Kiets gekry. ‘n Kat. Wat doen mens met ‘n kat? Of eerder, wat kan ‘n kat vir jou beteken as jy honger en werkloos is? Maar Kiets laat hom nie onderkry deur Hans se negatiwiteit nie, Hy maak ‘n plan, of drie!
Emperor Loxly’s court is in turmoil, because his designer quit the day before his birthday, and left His Highness without a new show-stopper outfit. That is, however not the only problem. The much bigger issue is Wonty, the unenthusiastic court jester, who stole the emperor’s prized watch, and is planning to take over the kingdom. The emperor’s loyal servant, Wilma, tries to maintain the status quo: keeping Loxly happy and Wonty quiet, but then Wonty is banned, Loxly almost loses his mind, and a stranger makes his appearance. Can the smooth talking, never-heard-of designer called Wontier, save the day?
In the workshop, learners evaluate all the characters in the play, and decide who displayed good leadership skills. They also apply it to their own environment and lives.