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Christine Skinner
Internationally acclaimed and multiple award-winning The King Of Broken Things is coming to the Baxter in May.
Presented by Theatresmiths, the production will be performed at the Baxter Studio from 1 May until 18 May.
The King Of Broken Things received a prestigious Gold Ovation Award at the 2023 National Arts Festival and most recently, a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Peoplefollowing its Cape premiere at The Drama Factory.
The King of Broken Things is a journey into the broken heart of a young boy, a journey of discovery through his experiments, projects, and creations. He teaches us that the rehabilitation of broken things includes people and hearts, and that all things, seen and unseen, can be mended.
Whether you’re 8 or 80, The King of Broken Things will rehabilitate every heart – it’s not just for young audiences.
Other awards for the production include Best Achievement Award in the Family Category at Toyota Woordfees 2023; Most Emotionally Moving Award at the Assitej Cradle of Creativity Festival 2023; the Golden Dolphin International Puppet Festival 2022 winner in 3 categories (Best Script, Best Director, Best Actress) and a Gold Ovation Award at the Virtual National Arts Festival in 2020. The play was also invited to be performed at The Sharjah International Fringe Festival in Dubai.
The King Of Broken Things is performed by Cara Roberts, conceptualised, written and directed by Michael Taylor-Broderick, with Set Construction by Bryan Hiles.
“The show touches on ancient Japanese traditions, mythology, and dreams, and highlights the magic that we so easily forget is everywhere,” says director Michael Taylor-Broderick. “It is a timely reminder to us all to think about the world and the repercussions of our actions, thoughts and words. And how we would do well to dwell more on the magic words – imagine, believe and dream.”
Responses to the production include:
"The King of Broken Things is profound, poignant and beautifully acted." - Estelle Sinkins, Natal Witness
“pure genius, pure magic….The King of Broken Things is one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in a while” - Billy Suter, Sosuterbill
“The King of Broken Things” is a truly mesmerising piece of theatre… sheer theatrical genius…don’t dare miss it." - Barry Meehan, Artsmart
“one of the most magical tales I have ever seen on any stage… Please do go and see The King of Broken Things” - Izak de Vries, Litnet
“The King of Broken Things will Stay in Your Heart… Cara Roberts is completely and utterly charming…” - Faeron Wheeler, Broadway World
“The King of Broken Things is a beautifully realised piece of theatre - as relevant and poignant for adults as for children… An entrancing and nuanced performance from Cara Roberts, a fantastic design and wonderful, poignant writing from Michael Taylor-Broderick.” - ASSITEJ
“beautifully written and marvelously played… The King of Broken Things made me remember that being awkward, different, cheerful or sad is okay. That holding my tears, laughter and hugs doesn't make me strong, that brokenness isn't bad, that I can be my weird little self.” - Oya Yilmaz Kermani, International Jury member for the Golden Dolphin International Puppet Festival 2022
“The King of Broken Things is vermaaklik, roerend en optimisties, en word vir sowel volwassenes as kinders aanbeveel.” - Anouk Cronjé, Woordfees
The King of Broken Things will be performed at The Baxter Studio from 1 May to 18 May.
Ages + 10
Performance dates are:
1 to 18 May at 20h00 (excluding Sundays)
4, 11 and 18 May at 15h00
Tickets cost R150.
Tickets for Students, Pensioners and block bookings of ten or more cost R130.
Bookings can be made at Webtickets.
Tickets are also available at Pick n Pay Stores.
For discounted block or schools bookings , charities or fundraisers contact Carmen Kearns on email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za and Mark Dobson on mark.dobson@uct.ac.za.
For further information visit https://theatresmiths.wixsite.com/mysite
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