Lindokuhle Malaphi, Siphenathi Siqwayi and Sipho Kalako in Surge, at the Baxter Flipside next week.
Climate change and its devastating impact on the environment is brought into the spotlight in the mystical production, Surge, directed by Roshina Ratnam and performed by the Magnet Theatre Youth Company, at the Baxter Flipside from Friday July 21 to Saturday July 29, at 11am daily with an evening performance on Saturday July 29, at 7pm.
The cast comprises Azola Mkhabile, Buhle Stefane, Kuhle Myathaza, Lindokuhle Melaphi, Mihlali Bele, Molupi Lepeli, Nosiphiwo Ndabeni, Siphenathi Siqwayi, Sipho Kalako, Thabo Mkenene and Wendy Mrali, who are all graduates of Magnet Theatre’s two-year full-time Training and Job Creation Programme.
Using puppetry, they bring to life a provocative world that looks at the role that young people can play in initiating conversations and imagining alternative futures in relation to the scarcity of resources.The production follows the story of two characters and their different relationship with the natural world and climate events.
“Surge is an exciting opportunity for us to explore and confront this uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming subject,” says Ratnam. “Through the use of objects as metaphors, spaces and characters we aim to create a world where the audience is pushed to action because they know that they have the power to make change”.
First performed at Magnet Theatre in October 2022, Surge is suitable for the whole family, although it is specifically aimed at Grade 6 to 12 pupils and young adults.
Designer Hansie Visagie has extensive experience as a puppeteer and designer and the actors use object manipulation and puppetry to shape a world of wonder and intrigue.
Tickets are R40 each for schools and block bookings of 10 or more and R90 full price, through Webtickets.