Artscape’s annual New Voices Programme returns with six productions over four weeks at the Arena from 7 to 31 October, as the theatre continues to celebrate its 55th anniversary.

The programme, a partnership with Suidoosterfees and intended as a platform for new and emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals, features works by student theatre makers from Northlink College, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Stellenbosch, as well as established artists.

Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said the New Voices Programme had enjoyed many successes since its inception. “This year in particular, as Artscape turns 55, we are proud and excited to have the young voices from Northlink College, UCT and the University of Stellenbosch joining us in an Artscape venue,” she said. “And, in honour of the 55 years, we could also offer most tickets at a mere R55.”

Danger in the Dark

The programme opens with the Northlink College production Danger in the Dark from 7 to 10 October. Directed by Sonwa Sakuba, the play is a reworking of the 1990s musical Poison by David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, originally produced by Renaye Kramer.

Set on the Cape Flats, it follows Pamela, who reunites with an old school friend, Juanita, only to discover she is trapped in an abusive relationship with a drug lord. Pamela is drawn into dangerous situations as she tries to help her friend escape. The musical director is Brandon Cassels and the choreographer is Mary-Jane Zimri.

Student double-bill

From 14 to 17 October, a double-bill of two senior student productions takes the stage. Reaxenia, presented by UCT and written and directed by Tshiamo Maloka, is an allegory that uses the idea of a workshop as a space to fix the country.

Through physical theatre, it explores the duality of hunger as the absence of food and the hunger for truth, following characters navigating a society on the brink of upheaval as a potentially explosive newspaper article is about to be released. It features Aasim Ellis, Aman Ngema and Dumisane Skhosana.

Poppycock, presented by the University of Stellenbosch and written by Enzo Cocciante and Mateo Komlosy, is a sketch comedy exploring the lived experiences of Gen Z males in modern South Africa.

Through satire, absurdity and uncomfortable honesty, six men grapple with friendship, identity, ego and the chaos of becoming men in a world that expects them to have it all figured out. Directed by Aidan Davies, it features Davies, Cocciante, Matthew Gray, Torden van Rensburg, Komlosy and Buhle Funani. Entry to the student productions is free. Reserve seats on Webtickets.

The Cracked House

The third week belongs to The Cracked House by Ntsikayomzi Benya, running from 21 to 24 October. Starring Mbulelo Grootboom, Azola Mkhabile and Lusanda Soboyise, it follows siblings Langa, Xola and Andiswa as they reunite after 31 years for their mother’s funeral.

Because the mother’s life was marked by illness, abandonment and silence, her death stirs far more than grief. What should have been a day of fond farewells becomes a day of reckoning as the siblings confront past traumas and broken promises, holding on to the fragile hope of healing. Directed by Sibuyiselo Dywili, the production is a reflection of South Africa’s unstable political landscape and the human cost of separation, loss and survival.

Tickets are R55 on Webtickets.

Cabaret double-bill

The programme wraps up with a double-bill of two cabaret-styled productions from 28 to 31 October. The Tramp (Bite-Sized), presented by Wêla Kapela from the team behind the multi-award-winning Vincent, is a short taste of their newest musical about Charlie Chaplin, told through the eyes of his beloved alter ego. Written and directed by Amanda Bothma, it features Daniel Anderson and Paul Ferreira on piano.

Flip-Flop, written and directed by Rafiek Mammon, showcases two actors sharing the highs and lows of what happens behind the scenes, and just how hard they work for a mere call-back but no actual job. It features Gary Naidoo and Deon Lotz. Tickets for the double-bill, to see both shows back-to-back, are R55 on Webtickets.

Booking and support

Tickets are available on Webtickets or through Artscape dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695.

The New Voices Programme is supported by Suidoosterfees, the City of Cape Town, NATi, the Jakes Gerwel Trust and the SBA.

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