PRESS: MAGNET THEATRE presents a South African adaptation of George Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM

Zukisani Nongogo

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Magnet Theatre’s Fulltime Training and Job Creation Programme 2025/2026 1^st year Production, ANIMAL FARM, premieres for a limited season from 26 – 29 November 2025.

Photo by Lubabalo Mbaleki.

Magnet Theatre is thrilled to present ANIMAL FARM, a contemporary South African version of George Orwell’s ageless novel. Adapted and directed by two-time Fleur du Cap Award winner, Morapeleng Molekoa, this production features the 7^th cohort of Magnet Theatre’s Full-Time Training and Job Creation Programme 2025/2026.

In this production, George Orwell’s original story and characters remain unchanged: a group of animals overthrow their human farmer, hoping to create a fair and equal society for all animals. What begins as a hopeful revolution soon unravels into a mirror of how greed and power can corrupt noble causes, and revolutions can repeat the oppressions they seek to end.

Under Morapeleng Molekoa’s direction,  Orwell’s powerful allegory is adapted to present-day South Africa, providing audiences young and old with an opportunity to meditate on the tribulations and enduring hope of life in post-Apartheid South Africa. Written in 1945, originally a  satirical story about the Russian revolution, Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM explores timeless themes  of the corrupting nature of power and the manipulation of truth. Through a blend of text, movement, and song, Molekoa’s adaption explores the transformation of hope into oppression, as truth becomes propaganda and equality is rewritten to justify exploitation. It is an invitation to think deeply about the nature of power and our own political and historical landscape.     

Photo by Lubabalo Mbaleki.

This production rounds off the first year of Magnet’s 2-year training programme. Reflecting Magnet Theatre’s signature style of invigorating physical performance, ANIMAL FARM provides the opportunity to the 20 young trainee performers to showcase their new physical and vocal skills and celebrate their powerful burgeoning talent. Original music and songs created by the cast under the instruction of Lungiswa Plaatjie and Karabo Hope Banda contribute, along with astounding physical transformations under the movement direction of Jennie Reznek, to making this a compelling heightened theatrical experience.

This ANIMAL FARM with its deeply resonant themes promises to echo and agitate in the audience’s imaginations long after curtain call.  

Magnet Theatre’s ANIMAL FARM: 

From the original story by George OrwellDirector: Morapeleng Molekoa

Adapted by: Morapeleng Molekoa

Performers: Akho Zuzani, Anga Gola, Asiphumeze Stuurman, Aviwe Nose, Ayabonga Yantolo, Aziyena Yamile, Busiswa Mpotye, Inganam Soxuza, Kananelo Lesekele, Kwakhanya Mboniswa, Lithetha Dywili, Liyema Velebayi, Nolwazi Mbutho, Olwethu Thwetsha, Onako Poswayo, Shannon Roode, Simphiwe Sefali, Someleze Madophe, Yolanda Mndayi and Zimfefe LamaniSinging: Lungiswa Plaatjies and Karabo Hope Banda

Set and Costume Design: Puleng Stewart

Movement Director: Jennie Reznek

Lighting design: Themba Stewart

Photographs by: Lubabalo Mbaleki

ANIMAL FARM will be performed from 26 – 29 November 2025 at Magnet Theatre: Cnr Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads in Observatory.

Performance dates and times:

Wednesday 26^th November Low Price Preview @ 19h00

Thursday 27^th November Opening @ 19h00 (by invitation only)

Friday 28^th November @ 19h00

Saturday matinee 29^th November @ 14h00

Saturday 29^th November @ 19h00

Ticket Prices:

R70 for general admission

R50 for scholars, students, pensioners, block bookings (10 or more)

R40 for Low Price Preview/Early Bird Special (running till 17 November)

Bookings for the shows can be made on Webtickets and booking for school groups by contacting Magnet Theatre at projects@magnettheatre.co.za /office: 021 448 3436

Photo by Lubabalo Mbaleki.

Magnet Theatre is one of South Africa’s best known independent physical theatre companies that has been operating in and outside of South Africa for the past 38 years. In addition to creating original, award-winning productions, Magnet runs multi-layered educational programmes that are aimed at the transformation of young people’s lives and the theatre industry as a whole. The programmes help youth bridge the gap to tertiary education and employment in the creative economy. To date, the youth development programmes have been instrumental in facilitating access for 36 first generation university attendees. On average over the last 5 years, an incredible 92% of all graduates either find employment (short or long contracts/permanent employment), are self-employed or furthering their studies.

Magnet Theatre is generously supported in 2025 by:  Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, HCI Foundation, TK Foundation, The Potjie Foundation, Redefine Properties, MAID Foundation, HCI Foundation, HCI Foundation Community Transport Support Programme, Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Andrea Fine Theatre Bursary, Ampersand Foundation, The City of Cape Town, Khula Cape Foundation, Cape Town Theatre Trust and The Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation.