The Star

Dada Masilo’s 'Hamlet' and Mzansi Ballet's 'Heal the World' lead this week’s theatre must-sees

Debashine Thangevelo|Published

Dada Masilo’s 'Hamlet' ignites the stage at The Market Theatre during its limited run.

Image: Supplied

There is truly something for every theatre enthusiast in this week's diverse line-up of offerings.

Dance lovers will appreciate Dada Masilo’s “Hamlet”, which enjoys a limited run this weekend before embarking on an international tour. 

Global audiences have embraced her artistry, with performances spanning approximately 176 cities across 30 nations. This international footprint is matched by a storied career adorned with a multitude of prestigious awards and honours.

Renowned for her skill in drawing from literature and ballet, she creates productions that are both emotionally resonant and deeply evocative.

Llewellyn Mnguni, a longtime collaborator and choreographer, takes the lead in this production of “Hamlet,” which features a musical score by Thuthuka Sibisi, Ann Masina, Leroy Mapholo, and Mpho Mothiba.

Joburg Ballet's Tumelo Lekana, Thando Mgobhozi, and David Maluleka join him in the production, alongside Moving Into Dance performers Lesego Dihemo, Wesley Hlongwane, Lucracia Magoro and Nandi Zulu.

Madise is cast as Ophelia with Dike as Hamlet. 

This production carries a PG-12 age restriction. 

Where: The Market Theatre. 

When: May 16 - 17, 7pm and 3pm.

Heal the World

With the "Michael" biopic presently captivating moviegoers across the country, Mzansi Ballet explores the King of Pop's legacy in their latest production.

This performance is a collaborative effort choreographed by the decorated South African Prima Ballerina Angela Revie and esteemed Mexican guest artist Jorge Wade.

This production also explores the dancers' personal histories, examining how their individual lives inform and elevate their art. 

By focusing on these experiences, the ballet highlights the power of the individual to drive healing and creative change, both on stage and in the community.

Ultimately, it celebrates dance as a global medium that overcomes racial, geographic and linguistic barriers.

Theatregoers can look forward to hearing classics like “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Heal the World” and “Black and White”.

Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre. 

When: Runs until June 7, 7.30pm. Weekend times differ.

Albie Sachs, Fathers, Sons, and Soft Vengeance

Talk about a title that is a mouthful. 

Directed by Fiona Ramsay, this Gail Louw production features Graham Hopkins in the lead role.

The production focuses on the biography of Albie Sachs, an esteemed South African constitutional judge, lawyer and activist.

The narrative, delivered with warmth and humanity, examines themes of family, resilience and forgiveness, questioning the nature of soft vengeance in a healing world. 

This poetic piece transcends a mere recitation of facts, using Sach's own voice to recount his journey as a son, father and activist.

Deeply relevant and thought-provoking, the production offers a powerful reflection on contemporary South Africa through the lens of an idealistic youth, wounded survivor and philosophical elder.

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until May 24, 7.30pm. Weekend times vary.

The cast on stage in a scene from 'Afropocalypse'.

Image: Ngoma Ka Mphahlele

Afropocalypse

Currently running for several weeks, "Afropocalypse" has returned to The Market Theatre for a new season. 

Director Daniel Buckland characterises the production as a "mischievous and vibrant look at South African society," exploring "all the weird and wonderful ways it could come to an end." 

The show features "dynamic and joyous ensemble storytelling," which incorporates "bucket loads of physical comedy, puppetry and storytelling."

 Ultimately, the play seeks to vividly illustrate both "the fallibility of humankind" and the remarkable "resilience and creativity of the human spirit."

Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre. 

When: Runs until May 23, 7pm. Weekend times differ.