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Compass Rose Collective
Following numerous, successful iterations, BREAKING THE CLOSET has become something of a mainstay on the LGBT+ calendar in the Western Cape - and recently enjoyed a wonderfully successful pride edition show at The Waves Bar and Restaurant in the centre of Cape Town.
This production is a collaboration between Nicola Hetz and Eugene Mathews, empathetically amplifying queer voices of all ages and backgrounds as they share stories of their experiences in the community in South Africa - as well as their heartwarming coming-out stories. Demystifying the LGBT+ experience and sharing smiles, tears, and laughter along the way.
After all, BREAKING THE CLOSET seeks wholeheartedly to inspire, uplift, and encourage those within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those outside to understand and build allegiance. And why not do that with a fabulous song and dance?
Returning as the sparkling host for the evening is Eugene Mathews. Eugene is no stranger to the stage, having etched himself into the concrete of South Africa's comedy scene. His work as co-presenter/producer of Bush Radio's LGBTQIA+ show, The Salon, was awarded an EvH Pink Award in the Media category; the annual Cape Town Pride LGBTQIA+ Comedy Show that he curates is always a successful affair; his 'beat ignorance with excellence' approach to homophobia has yielded positive results; and his debut one-person comedy special, The Relaunch of Gina, has garnered rave reviews.
Joining Eugene is co-creator and creative extraordinaire, Nicola Hetz. Nicola is a formidable figure in the South African creative arena. As well as her electric stage presence, her unique array of expertise spans theatre, costume design, events, PR and copywriting. She is co-founder of Compass Rose Collective, a multidisciplinary creative collective organisation.
Another returning fixture on the lineup is the brilliantly irreverent Saya Pierce-Jones. A familiar face and voice in the Cape Town media scene and is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Saya is a passionate advocate for women's rights and GBV prevention. When she's not seeking the truth, she can be found on stage as a hilarious stand-up comedian.
Joining the trio as a special comedic guest-star is the fabulously funny, Thato Mabelane, witty comedian and self-proclaimed coconut, has left South Africans in stitches with her solo tour -3rd Generation Coconut. She’s performed at the esteemed Protea Fire and Ice, V&A waterfront, and sold out her most recent show at Hout Bay Yacht club. Her debut at the National Arts Festival earned her a resounding ovation and a lovely review by Grocott's Mail that affirmed: "It was a riveting experience".
Musical guest-star, Xavier Parks is sure to dazzle with his performance. Xavier Parks is an expressive being, exploring his existence through the arts. “I value passionate growth through my passion [for the arts] and I choose to do it with peace,”
BREAKING THE CLOSET is the brainchild of Nicola Hetz and Eugene Mathews, who felt that it was essential to create a platform for LGBTQIA+ performers to share their stories and connect with audiences from all walks of life. Every show has been an incredible, safe, and poignant space, allowing our community to heal and celebrate. Whether you identify as heterosexual or you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the stories are bound to be engaging, exciting, and sometimes hilarious.
BREAKING THE CLOSET's Variety Special will be taking place at The Waves Bar and Restaurant (62 Hout Street, Cape Town) on 10 June 2023 at 7:00pm. Tickets will be available at catchthewave.co.za for R100.00 each.
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