Kaapstad Toneelhuis
LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS, the critically acclaimed rom-com by Sam Steiner, will make its South African debut at the Toneelhuis Theatre in Cape Town from 3 to 7 December 2024. This tender and thought-provoking production explores the power of language, restraint, and human connection in a world where words are limited.

In a world where spoken language is restricted to a set number of words, the choices we make about what we say—or withhold—take on profound meaning. Lemons LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS follows Oliver and Bernadette, two people grappling with the limits of communication and the impact it has on their relationship. Hilarious yet poignant, the play explores what happens when we can no longer speak freely and how humans continue to communicate through actions, body language, and the spaces between words.
Originally premiering in 2015, Sam Steiner’s play has since gained international acclaim, including a major revival in London’s West End in 2023. It has been performed around the world and remains a favorite for its witty yet deep exploration of love, communication, and the human condition.
Henu Baden, an emerging director and award- winning performer, takes the helm for this production’s Cape Town premier, marking his directorial debut with LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS. Baden’s most recent successes include tours with award-winning productions such as Every Brilliant Thing and Die Keiser se Nuwe Klere.
Baden shares the following thoughts about the current production at the Toneelhuis Theare:
“Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is about restraint. In a world where spoken language is restricted what you choose to spend your words on, or what words you choose to withhold become of equal significance. I was instantly hooked by this premise when Jessie Diepeveen placed the play on my bedside table (about a year ago) without a word, knowing very well that I would read it. A simple wordless gesture is why we are sat in this theatre today. A universal coincidence if you like. Our intention with this text was always to show off the actors and their endless potential. It simply is a performers script and therefore I wanted to strip back all the theatrical elements and focus on the multiple ways humans communicate. Whether it be body language, breathe, eye contact, proximity & space, all hoping to answer one question: Do actions indeed speak louder than words?”
Maxim du Toit and Jessie Diepeveen lead the cast in this emotionally resonant production. Both are accomplished actors and theatre professionals. Maxim is known for his versatile career across local and international films, series, and theatre, and is also the producer of this exciting new work. Jessie Diepeveen, recognised for her compelling performances, brings her experience to the stage as both a key cast member and a co-presenter of this production.
Performance Dates and Times:
Opening Night: December 3rd, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Show Dates: December 4th to December 7th, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Tickets are available for booking online through Quicket.
Venue Information:
Toneelhuis Theatre
7 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Please note: Accessibility details, parking, and public transportation information are available on the Toneelhuis website.