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Barbara Loots
SURGE, currently onstage at Magnet Theatre (until 22 October 2022) and soon setting out to enchant schools, is a charming call to consider your conscience when it comes to the issue of climate change.
A fluid synergy of movement, music and puppetry, it tugs at the heart strings as it takes the audience on a journey of love found and lost in the wake of the effects of climate change. An all too real theme for us all as we see the neglect and exploitation of the earth at humankind’s hand come back to bite us with famine. As Surge reveals, mother earth gives, but she also takes away.
Workshopped by the creative team and director Roshina Ratnam, the performers reveal great puppetry skill in SURGE. They bring character and soul to the puppets to such a degree that your eyes get tricked into not seeing the person behind the puppet. It's an emotionally immersive experience as the compelling production of SURGE draws you in to the trials and tribulations experienced by their charismatic characters in the context of climate change. The puppets designed by Hansie Visagie are delightful, paired beautifully with Themba Stewart's lighting design.
Congratulations all round to the creative team and the performers. SURGE was a joy to behold.
In the end, SURGE leaves you to ponder the ultimate question: are you part of the cause or the solution when it comes to dealing with the effects of our world's climate crisis.
WHERE: Magnet Theatre (Corner Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads in Observatory).
WHEN: Thursday, 20th – Friday, 21st October: Matinees (time TBC) Saturday 22nd Oct: Matinee @ 15h00 & Evening show @ 19h00
TOUR: From Monday, 24th – Saturday, 29th October we will tour SURGE to neighbouring schools and centres
TICKETS: R80 for general admission with concessions for scholars, students, pensioners @ R40. Bookings for the 4 shows at Magnet Theatre can be made by contacting Zamah at zamah@magnettheatre.co.za
You can also book a performance at your centre or school by contacting Zamah on the email address above or on WhatsApp 064 902 9761 or by calling the office: 021 448 3436
Photo Credit: Terra Nzimande.