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Spark in the Dark
Solo Fest is back! The much-loved monologue slam returns to Theatre Arts on March 10 & 11, 2025, showcasing 16 original solo performances from both new and established artists.
This two-night event offers a rare chance to see bold, work-in-progress solo pieces —each between 3-8 minutes —before they hit bigger stages.
The festival is an extension of Sophie Joans’ writing course, “So You Want to Write a Solo Show,” which guides artists through the process of developing solo performances. “Solo storytelling is intimate and powerful. When a performer stands alone on stage, it’s raw, reflective, and electric,” says Joans.
Day One has an exciting line-up of fresh, new and established writers and performers. Nelson de Gouveia’s Diary of a (m)anlets you into the nuances of the legacies of confident, belligerent men. Brigitte Simpson presents Boo Boo, because there’s no politically correct way to say cancer. Jonathan Green brings a fantastical tale following a young girl in the icy and mountainous Dumor, who sets out to fulfill a promise, in Wanderlust. Kamogelo Mhlantla, a Solo Fest alumn, is bringing an expanded extract of Solitude, a piece examining loneliness and being alone.Other Solo Fest alumni include Julia Daniels, taking us further into the world of her solo show So This is Love, about love, heartbreak, and growth, and Gabriella Roughton with Beneath the Surface contemplating emotions, experiences, and unspoken fears. Rameez Nordien is shares Spaced Out, a piece examining faith and astronomical aspirations. David Schmidt is performing his brand new The Betaman Alphabet.
Solo Fest Day Two sees many new and returning performers, audiences are in for a treat with this collection of plays! Nina Meyer presents Inexperienced Dater following Marion Monroe, a blonde who dares defy all. Nate Levinrad shares an excerpt from his upcoming solo show, Slamming Doors, about family habits, anger, and a reminder that joy can break the cycle.
A triumphant return to the Solo Fest stage, Roshina Ratnam presents another chapter from I Think I Smell Smoke, a piece that unravels how war doesn’t just destroy cities, but leaves behind ghosts in the blood, bones, and things we carry. Chantal Harris brings a touch of humour and heartfelt honesty, and invites us to join her on her journey of self-discovery and recovery with ADHD, The Bottle, and Me. Emile takes to the Solo Fest stage for the first time with The Dancing Clown, which asks the question, “How does one dance to a tune one has never heard? Surely that is absolutely absurd.” Gem Carosin offers Coming Out of the Coffin, a piece about the awkward and embarrassing process of becoming who you are (even if that is undead) and how love is the only antidote to shame. Samantha Carlisle presents a further snippet from her upcoming solo show Messy - a piece where an online sex worker explores her chaotic and messy relationship with sex, love, and intimacy. Shannon Hendry shares Talking About the Hole which urges the audience to take back your power and embrace the holes around you.
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see the next best performers showcasing their soon-to-be award-winning shows. In a lineup that will have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, have your ribs hurting from laughter and contemplating your life from introspective work.
Details:
10 & 11 March 7pm
Theatre Arts, corner of Wesley Street and Milton Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Tickets: R10 standard, R100 student at www.theatrearts.co.za