Celebrate Mandela Day with BORN IN THE RSA and the Baxter Theatre's Blanket Drive Campaign

Following its resounding success with packed houses and standing ovations at every performance recently at the 2015 National Arts Festival, Barney Simon's BORN IN THE RSA has transferred to the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio, where it will run until 8 August at 7pm nightly.

A docu-drama devised by Barney Simon and the play's original cast, BORN IN THE RSA is directed by Thoko Ntshinga, who performed the role of Thenjiwe in the original production. She has assembled a dynamic compay of actors made up of Faniswa Yisa, Emily Child, Francis Chouler, Roeline Daneel, Joanna Evans, Dobs Madotyeni and Zanele Radu to bring this play to a new generation of South African audiences.

By fusing and interconnecting monologues and stories, the riveting drama lays bare a slice of everyday South Africa and its people during the state of emergency at the height of apartheid. The interwoven testimonies of the seven characters, all ordinary citizens - from a teacher, a housewife, a lawyer to an activist and a police spy - is brought into focus as they uncover the dangers of the oppressive system of government at the time.

Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela, known across the world as Madiba, and to give added meaning to the staging of this revival of a South African classic that pays tribute to theatre icon Simon, the Baxter Theatre Centre has partnered with the City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre to collect blankets for the disabled and the elderly this winter.

As the world gears up to celebrate Mandela Day on 18 July, the Baxter would like to encourage all its patrons attending the season of BORN IN THE RSA to donate a blanket when they visit the theatre.

"With winter in full force, a blanket can go a long way in showing our support towards those in need in our communities," says Fahiem Stellenboom, marketing manager of the Baxter Theatre. "Instead of limiting our contribution to just 67 minutes worth of charitable activity on Mandela Day, we have decided to extend our efforts by collecting blankets during the entire run of this important and iconic production, as part of our celebration."

He continues, "BORN IN THE RSA creates the perfect context for doing something special and we are very excited to make our contribution in this way. To this end we would like to encourage every one of our patrons who are coming to see the play to donate a blanket."

A blanket 'drop box' will be positioned in the Baxter foyer during the season and patrons and members of the public can drop their blankets in these allocated boxes at any time. All the blankets donated will be distributed in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre to selected organisations caring for disabled and elderly people.

BORN IN THE RSA marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of theatre legend Barney Simon and is presented by the Baxter Theatre Centre, in association with the National Arts Festival, 30 years after its world premiere. He was co-founder of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg with Mannie Manim, and was widely respected as one of this country's most innovative and visionary playwrights and directors.

Tickets for BORN IN THE RSA at the Baxter's Golden Arrow Studio range from R120 - R150. Special rates can be obtained as part of the Baxter Monday special (R120 for a light meal in the restaurant and the performance on 20, 27 July and 3 August). Furthermore, tickets for the performance on 18 July will be sold at R67.00. 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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