Marthinus Basson to Helm A COCK & BULL STORY at Theatre On The Bay

A localised reimagining of British playwrights Richard Zajdlic and Richard Crowe's blockbuster play, A c*ckAND BULL STORY, will be directed by Marthinus Basson for a season at Theatre on the Bay this May. Basson will also design the production, with lighting design duties handled by Chris Pienaar.

TJ (Dean-John Smith) is a promising young boxer on the eve of a fight that could make or break his career. He is waiting for his friend Jaco (Edwin van der Walt), who always prepares him both mentally and physically for his fights. For TJ, boxing is not just a passion, but also an escape from his lower-middle-class background and a passport to a better life. Jaco, on the other hand, has to measure himself against the long shadow cast by his father, a local legend with underworld connections and notoriety as a street fighter. TJ's confidence has waned after a recent humiliating defeat against tonight's opponent, Jaco is late - and the night turns into a battle of a different kind. Instead of measuring physical strength in the boxing ring, TJ and Jaco will test the limits of friendship in the locker room.

Quentin Krog, director of the film BALLADE VIR 'N ENKELING, and actor Geon Nel, have adapted the script, transferring the setting to contemporary suburban Cape Town. This gritty and fierce two-hander makes for an exciting, emotional and gripping journey of discovery, under the veneer of which is a delicate exploration of friendship, sexuality and mutual dependence.

The production features Edwin van der Walt and Dean John Smith, two of South Africa's most promising young actors who are ready for the psychological and physical challenges of a play that is filled with testosterone-induced male bravado, whether fuelling brags about girls, locker room chatter or excessive physicality.

A c*ckAND BULL STORY will run at Theatre on the Bay from 17 - 28 May, on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 20:00 nightly. There will also be a 17:00 matinee on 28 May. The 90-minute play is performed in English and Afrikaans. Tickets, ranging from R100 - R180, are available through Computicket.

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