Fresh from rave reviews and a sell out season at the recent Grahamstown National Arts Festival and Baxter Theatre earlier this year, Siv Ngesi is heading back to the Baxter by popular demand with his hit one man comedy show, RACE CARD, based on Simon Kilpatrick's bestselling book THE RACIST'S GUIDE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA.
In RACE CARD, which Siv aptly describes as a 'racially active' production, he pokes fun at the wacky truths and quirks of the colourful people of South Africa, drawing a similarity to THE RACIST'S GUIDE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA which has been described as a politically incorrect, thoroughly unscientific and exceptionally funny satirical "guidebook" that identifies - and makes light hearted fun of - the people of the Rainbow Nation. It's written for foreigners and for all the South Africans it parodies, noting from the start that "Blacks", "English Whites", "Afrikaners", "Coloureds", "Indians" and "Miscellaneous" are the primary races to be encountered in the land.
Sivuyile 'Siv' Ngesi is a 27 year-old comedian and actor born in the township of Gugulethu, Cape Town. Acting came early to him and at nine years old Siv toured Asia with LES MISERABLES in the coveted role of Gavroche. Since then he has landed roles in films such as WORLD UNSEEN, ZEENON Z3, SCHWEITZER, INVICTUS and THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. He first made a name for himself in the popular television programmes KHULULEKA, THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD, DOUBLE SHIFT and INTERROGATION ROOM. Siv was also one of the leads in LEAGUE OF GLORY. Currently you can catch him on Mzanzi Magic on a show called S.I.E.S. and the international series, STRIKE BACK. His best credit to date must be his scenes with Keifer Sutherland in the hit American TV series, 24. Siv has extensive theatre experience, having performed in top class productions such as SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, THE ISLAND, BUTLERS AND BRANDY and DEKAF, which he co-wrote with the LA based comedian David Newton.
Brent Palmer directs Siv in RACE CARD, which has been updated since it was last seen at the Baxter. Palmer is a London trained actor with ten years theatre, film, TV and stand up comedy experience. His theatre work includes roles in Shakespearean and modern productions at Maynardville, the Baxter, Artscape and The Little Theatre, and he has worked with noted directors such as Geoffrey Hyland, Roy Sargeant, Fred Abrahamse and Peter Hayes.
The national tour of RACE CARD starts with the return season at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio Theatre from 2 - 21 September. The show moves to Johannesburg, East London, Port Elizabeth and Durban thereafter. Performances at the Baxter run Monday to Saturday at 8pm with tickets at R80 via Computicket. RACE CARD is guaranteed to leave you laughing long after you've left the theatre! The show carries a PG13 age restriction.
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