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IOL News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the magic of ‘Matilda', ‘Master Harold' and ‘Sarafina' on stage in Joburg this June
Zia Kani, Amira Nathan and Peo-entle Pitso will alternate the leading role of Matilda. Matilda The Musical Jr Roald Dahl's classic book is set to come to extraordinary life on stage for the very first time in Joburg this week. The play tells the story of Matilda, a gifted little girl with telekinetic powers. The youngster lives a tumultuous life with her parents and the show chronicles her bid to free herself, using her brilliant mind. Directed by Jill Girard, the leading role will be alternated between 10-year-olds, Amira Nathan, Zia Kani and Peo-entle Pitso. Meanwhile, Miss Honey will be played by Amelia Stephens, Luciano Zuppa will take on the role of Miss Agatha Trunchbull, with Jordan Rogers and Raymond Skinner starring as Matilda's parents. Where: The Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre. When: Currently until July 27. Show times differ, depending on the day. Master Harold and the Boys This play by the renowned late Athol Fugard is directed by Warona Seane and stars Sello Maake KaNcube, Daniel Anderson and Lebohang Motaung. It is set in South Africa during apartheid in 1950 and the play depicts how institutionalised racism, bigotry or hatred can become absorbed by those who live under it. Where:Theatre On The Square When: Currently until June 29. Show times differ, depending on the day. Sarafina! This special restaging of the critically acclaimed musical is a tribute to Dr Mbongeni Ngema. Directed by Mpho Molepo, the story unfolds in the wake of the historic events of 1976, when approximately 200,000 black students united in protest against the apartheid regime's oppressive education system. Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre. When: Runs until Sunday, June 15, 11am.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Amato's ‘Doll's House 2' asks tough questions
Rubin called the play a gloves-off debate, both personal and political. Imagine walking out on your husband, three children and a society that thinks it knows better than you do, only to return 15 years later and find the door still open but nothing else quite the same. Theatre on The Square puts this notion forward in a new production A Doll's House 2 A Doll's House 2 picks up the story where the first play left off. The first instalment, A Doll's House, looked at the fate of main character Nora Helmer as a married woman. There were no real opportunities for her to gain any kind of self-fulfilment in a male dominated world. In short, it was probably the world's first feminist play, written by Norwegian playwright Hendik Ibsen and first performed in 1879. Back then, the idea of a woman abandoning her family to find herself was unthinkable. The final moment of that play, a single door closing behind Nora, echoed far beyond the theatre. It was not just scandalous; it caused quite a stir and has been doing so for well over a century and a half. In fact, in 2006 it was one of the world's most performed plays. Everyone wanted to know what happened next And yet, while Ibsen never wrote a sequel. Everyone wanted to know what happened next. This second episode, now on stage at Theatre On The Square in Sandton, completes the circle. It was penned by American playwright Lucas Hnath. The show stars veteran actor Zane Meas and led by highly-pedigreed South African performer Bianca Amato. 'You really do not need to have seen part one to get into this,' Amato said. 'It is a completely fresh take, with its own bite. The premise is simple. Nora returns because she discovers she is still legally married. She needs a divorce to finish what she started. But of course, nothing is simple.' ALSO READ: TV's 'The Four Seasons' makes you think Nora is no longer a housewife. She has made a name for herself in her worn right, openly criticising the institution of marriage. But her return sets off a chain of uncomfortable and often hilarious confrontations, said Amato. The play throws four characters into a single room and lets the sparks fly. No one is let off the hook. 'It's feisty, funny, moving and thought provoking' 'It is a really feisty, funny, moving and thought-provoking piece,' said Amato. 'You will probably change your mind several times during the show. That is what makes it exciting. No one has all the answers. Everyone is flawed. And the arguments are compelling on all sides.' The dialogue is modern, despite the period setting. The questions it raises are very much for today. Is marriage outdated? Can people change? Is it selfish to put your own growth before your obligations to others? 'It is incredibly relevant,' said director Barbara Rubin. 'When I was preparing for this production, Kamala Harris was running for president in the United States. The backlash she faced as a qualified female candidate was brutal. It reminded me just how far we still must go. 'Spending time with Nora, who has become wiser and stronger, was a kind of comfort during that time.' A gloves-off debate Rubin called the play a gloves-off debate, both personal and political. 'It is about how much has changed, and how much has not,' she said. 'It is smart, but also very funny. That is what makes it work.' Amato is loving the show. 'We are all bringing our best to this,' said Amato. 'The production design is meticulous. The performances are sharp. The story is gripping. It is not some dusty drama. It is a lively, entertaining night out.' NOW READ: Partner habits that drive you crazy
