Baxter Run for BORN IN THE RSA Following National Arts Festival Premiere

To mark the 20th anniversary of the passing of theatre legend Barney Simon, the Baxter Theatre Centre, in association with the National Arts Festival, is proud to revive his hit production BORN IN THE RSA, 30 years after its world premiere.

The docu-drama, which was devised by Simon and the cast, is directed by Thoko Ntshinga, who performed the role of Thenjiwe in the original production. That premiere production showcased an ensemble of artists who have become theatre blue-bloods in the South African stage, television and film industries.Through a process of improvisation, the cast created what was described as a living newspaper, remaining true to the Barney Simon tradition of making theatre. By fusing and interconnecting monologues and stories, the riveting drama brought to life a slice of everyday South Africa and its people during the state of emergency at the height of apartheid.

At its first performance at the Market Theatre in 1985, the formidable cast was made up of Fiona Ramsay, Terry Norton, Vanessa Cooke, Neil McCarthy, Timmy Kwebulana, Thoko Ntshinga and Gcina Mlhope. The play was a resounding sold-out success before making its Cape Town debut at the Baxter in March 1986. It toured to great acclaim in England and the USA, where The New York Times praised the play for its "dramatic, emotional and intellectual energy".

Director Ntshinga, who was highly praised for her portrayal of Christine in the international hit production MIES JULIE, brings together a dynamic young cast of seven actors for a remarkable production that salutes a legend of South African theatre history: Faniswa Yisa (Thenjiwe Bono), Emily Child (Mia Steinman), Francis Chouler (Glen Donahue), Roeline Daneel (Nicky Donahue), Joanna Evans (Susan Lang), Dobs Madotyeni (Zacharia Melani) and Zanele Radu (Sindiswa Bona). The set design for BORN IN THE RSA is by Patrick Curtis, with Birrie le Roux handling the costumes and Luyanda Somkhence the lighting. Vocal coaching is by Lesley Nott Manim, with music being handled by Bongile Mantsai.

"Not only are we paying tribute to my mentor - a giant and pioneer who has left an indelible mark and rich legacy in this country's theatre history," says Lara Foot, CEO and artistic director of the Baxter Theatre Centre and producer of this revival production. "We are also celebrating this iconic production, directed by the extraordinary Thoko Ntshinga. I am very excited and humbled to be part of the team paying homage to the memory of my friend Barney Simon, and it is most fitting that it should premiere at the 41st National Arts Festival before transferring to the Baxter."

Simon was born on 13 April 1932 and died on 30 June 1995, aged 63. His impressive canon of work included PHIRI, HEY LISTEN, PEOPLE, PEOPLE TOO, STORYTIME, CINCINNATI, COLD STONE JUG, CALL ME WOMAN, MARICO MOONSHINE AND MANPOWER, WOZA ALBERT!, BLACK DOG - INJ'EMNYAMA, OUTERS, KLAAGLIED VIR KOUS, INYANGA - ABOUT WOMEN IN AFRICA, EDEN AND OTHER PLACES, SCORE ME THE AGES, STARBRITES, SINGING THE TIMES, SILENT MOVIE and THE SUIT.

Simon was widely respected as one of this country's most innovative and visionary playwrights and directors. In 1976 he co-founded and became artistic director of the Market Theatre, alongside Mannie Manim, who was the lighting designer for the original production of BORN IN THE RSA. He perfected the art of workshopping productions, which involved sending his actors onto the streets to experience first-hand the actual lives and realities of the characters which they would later portray on stage, during the state of emergency in 1985. His method also used collaborative writing and a variety of genres to create and develop the work.

BORN IN THE RSA premieres at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown from 2 to 4 July, where tickets ranging in price from R65 - R70 can be booked at the National Arts Festival's website. The celebratory season at the Baxter's Golden Arrow Studio is from 8 July to 8 August, with low price previews on 8 and 9 July, the official opening on 10 July and a run through 8 August at 7pm nightly, with matinees on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am. Ticket prices for the Baxter run range from R120 - R150. Special rates can be obtained through Early Bird bookings (R60 at certain performances) and the Baxter Monday special (R120 for a light meal in the restaurant and the performance on 13, 20, 27 July and 3 August). Booking is through Computicket (online, at 0861 915 8000 or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet). For discounted corporate, schools or block bookings, contact Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993.

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