Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT Reimagined Underneath an African Sky for Local Audiences

Artscape Theatre in association with The Maynardville Theatre Trust and The City of Cape Town will present an adaptation of the romantic Shakespearean comedy, TWELFTH NIGHT, at the Maynardville's Open Air Theatre in 2017. Starring David Johnson and Elizabeth Akudugu, this uniquely African-inspired version is directed by Geoffrey Hyland.

Set on the imagined island of Illyria, off the coast of Africa, a fresh take on William Shakespeare's unfading classic comes to life as the shipwrecked twins, Viola and Sebastian, cause mayhem with the locals. TWELFTH NIGHT, known as a "feast of fools" and a time for the "lords of misrule" to create general mischief, anarchy and the exorcising of evil spirits, borrows its title from the Christmas festival known as Epiphany, which was lavishly celebrated during the Elizabethan era. TWELFTH NIGHT explores themes such as illusion, disguise, madness and deception to challenge our ideal expectations and perceptions of love. Playfully framed as a romantic comedy, it uses music, food and love to create whirlwinds of delight from a merry-go-round of romance, pranks and masquerades.

One of the most exciting things to look forward to is the stellar cast that will bring TWELFTH NIGHT to life, with up-and-coming talents, television veterans, award-winning achievers and aspiring directors.

David Johnson stars as the love-sick Orsino, and is no stranger to Shakespeare having appeared in HAMLET, MACBETH and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Johnson recently performed in WOND, HOND SE GEDAGTE and David Kramer's adaptation of BLOOD BROTHERS. Joining Johnson as his apparent love interest, Olivia, is the Golden Globe-winning actress, Elizabeth Akudugu, who played the title role in the Universoty of Cape Town's production of HAVE YOU SEEN ZANDILE?

Lamla Ntsaluba, a new young talent recently seen in Jazzart's BIKO'S QUEST and Theatre in the Backyard's IS HE MAD?, plays shipwrecked twin Sebastian alongside Awethu Hleli as his sister, Viola. Hleli is best known for her role as Portia in SABC 1's period drama WHEN WE WERE BLACK, her appearance in a musical adaptation of the book series, THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY and for her performance in Hyland's WOUNDS TO THE FACE.

The supporting cast includes Mark Elderkin as the puritanical Malvolio, Nicholas Pauling as the opportunistic uncle, Sir Toby and Wessel Pretorius as the witty clown Feste. Bianca Mannie plays Maria, with Roberto Kyle as Sir Andrew, Oaribile Ditsile as Fabian, Siya Sikawuti as Captain and Adolph De Beer as Antonio.

Directed by the award winning and innovative, Hyland, who is currently an Associate Professor and the Head of the University of Cape Town's Drama Department, is known for his unique adaptations of several Shakespearean productions including ROMEO AND JULIET, OTHELLO, MACBETH, and KING LEAR. Other notable work includes SLOWLY, MADAME DE SADE, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES and THE CHERRY ORCHARD.

TWELFTH NIGHT will features a completely original score by the eclectic, afro-classical composer, Neo Muyanga. A cultural activist and the founding member of the trailblazing acoustic afro-pop duo, Blk Sonshine, Muyanga has in recent years grown from musician to composer having created the opera, THE STRUGGLE IS MY LIFE, based on an episode in Nelson Mandela's life, and has toured with The Royal Shakespeare Company, Handspring Puppet Company and Paco Pen's Flamenco.

The creative team also includes set designer Nicolas Mayer, costume designer Leigh Bishop, lighting designer Luke Ellenbogen and sound designer Liam Cookson.

The Annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park productions have been proudly overseen by Artscape during the last 40 years, aiding its growth with the same commitment that the founders, Cecelia Sonnenburg and Rene Ahrenson, showed upon its inception in 1956. Through their partnership with the Maynardville Theatre Trust, both entities continue to deliver works of excellence and relevance for our society and its theatregoers. Now in its sixty-first year, with the commitment of The City of Cape Town, the partnership between Artscape and The Maynardville Theatre Trust has been strengthened through the city's logistical support and by sponsoring the venue through the Mayor's Special Events Committee.

Shakespeare-in-the-Park maintains a longstanding relationship with Western Cape schools and while TWELFTH NIGHT is not a prescribed text for 2017, special school performances will still be accommodated on weeknights, affording learners the opportunity to see a Shakespearean text come to life. Marlene le Roux, the CEO of Artscape, comments:

This valued public tradition has become a symbol of the continued insight that classical theatre has for us and for the education of our learners. We once again dedicate a number of performances in our season to this journey of learning and welcome all the schools that continue to support us, and their own education, through this extraordinary tradition.

The Maynardville Open Air Theatre is situated in the Maynardville Park in Wynberg. The spectacular green wooded park has earned it the reputation as one of the best-loved outdoor theatre venues in the Western Cape. It offers its patrons a wooded park for pre-show picnics and drinks, as well as a unique wooded 700-seater theatre setting. Limited facilities for wheelchairs are available in accordance with safety regulations. Parking is situated in the direct vicinity of the venue.

TWELFTH NIGHT runs from 21 January - 25 February 2017. Tickets, ranging in price from R108 - R180 are available at the Artscape Box Office (021 410 9838), via Dial-a-Seat (021 421 7695) and online through Computicket. Discounted tickets for school learners are available at R80 per learner via the Box Office. Block booking and early bird specials are also available.

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