Final Extension Announced For THE ROAD TO MECCA At The Fugard Theatre

Due to overwhelming demand, the Fugard Theatre's universally acclaimed production of Athol Fugard's The Road to Mecca has been extended for one final time. The run must end on 19 May and bookings can be made at Computicket.

Eric Abraham presents this Fugard Theatre production in honour of this iconic playwright's 85th year, who marked this milestone birthday in June last year. The play features South African icons Sandra Prinsloo as Miss Helen and Marius Weyers as Rev. Marius Byleveld with bright young star Emily Child as Elsa Barlow. Direction is by the Fugard Theatre's Resident Director Greg Karvellas (The Fugard's Shakespeare in Love, The Eulogists, Clybourne Park, The Father, Bad Jews).

The production, which also co-incides with 120 years since the birth of artist Helen Martins, who inspired Fugard to write the play, has been hailed as 'outstanding, one of the finest pieces of acting you will ever see' (Orielle Berry, Cape Times); 'superbly played... Saul Radomsky's magnificent set captures the love and light of Miss Helen's real Owl House' (Marianne Thamm, Daily Maverick); 'Brilliant. Emotionally riveting' (John Maytham, Cape Talk); 'something truly special...a fantastic display of storytelling' (Barbara Loots, Theatre Scene Cape Town); 'a masterclass in acting' (Megan Furniss, Weekend Special); 'Jou teaterjaar sal beslis armer wees sonder hierdie meesterlike toneelstuk' (Maryke Roberts, Litnet), and, 'a story that still resonates 30-odd years after Fugard wrote it.' (Briony Chisholm, Whatsonincapetown.com).

"The response to this production of The Road to Mecca has been truly phenomenal. We have had seen audiences of all ages, laughing, crying, engaging with the play - everyone from school groups to pensioners, and from locals to people who have travelled all the way from Nieu-Bethesda to see it," says Daniel Galloway, Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre. "We are honoured to have two of our country's unofficial national treasures, Sandra Prinsloo and Marius Weyers, with the brilliant rising star Emily Child, on our stage. I urge people not to miss this final chance to catch this magnificent play."

The production is designed by Saul Radomsky (The Fugard's Bad Jews, Clybourne Park, District Six, Kanala, The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek) with lighting by Mannie Manim (The Fugard's The Mother, The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek, The Blue Iris) and costumes by Birrie Le Roux (The Fugard's West Side Story, Kanala, The Father, The Mother, Clybourne Park, King Kong). Sound design will be by the Fugard's resident Musical Director Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (The Fugard's King Kong, West Side Story, The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl).

Inspired by Helen Martins, who lived in Nieu-Bethesda and created the now-famous The Owl House - which is designated a national heritage site - THE ROAD TO MECCA is the story of a woman's desire for personal and artistic freedom within the narrow confines of a conservative and highly religious community in the Karoo in early seventies apartheid South Africa.

THE ROAD TO MECCA runs at the Fugard Theatre until 19 May 2018 Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee on Saturdays. The Fugard Theatre is situated in the heart of District Six, on the corner of Harrington and Caledon Streets, Cape Town.

Tickets cost from R130 to R230. Bookings can be made through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. There is a generous 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members.

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