A new play, Passage, which tackles what it means to be a good man in South Africa today, will be launched at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Rondebosch on Wednesday, 5 March 2014. The play runs from 4 to 22 March at 11:00 (for schools) and 18:00 (public performances).
Commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Passage was devised by emerging young director Thando Doni and his cast of five actors. It is an exciting new collaboration between the Baxter Theatre Centre, Magnet Theatre and Zabalaza Theatre Festival.
Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said: “I am extremely excited by this new work as it stimulates much-needed debate around the issue of what it means to be a man in South Africa today. It encourages people to learn from one another; respect diversity and cultural difference, but more importantly embrace our common heritage.”
Minister Meyer added: “When we do so, we transcend our real and imagined barriers and create a space in which social inclusion and cultural warmth can thrive. The production also illustrates the power of partnerships and collaboration as it succeeds in bringing together the expertise of organisations such as the Baxter and Magnet Theatres and affording young actors and theatre directors the opportunity to transcend cultural barriers and give expression to the slogan Your Culture, my Culture, our Heritage.”
Through combining different styles such as physical movement, music, storytelling, poetry and rituals, Passage probes and looks at how boys grow into responsible, caring men. How do men engage with power without resorting to violence? It goes to the heart of the crisis of violence against women in South Africa. It not only explores the values, assumptions, fears and behaviours that allow such violence to be perpetrated but investigates, in our multicultural context, how boys transition into men.
Performed in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Sesotho and Sepedi, there is an age restriction of 12 years. Tickets cost R80 and booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet.
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za