SCENE IT: Striking MANJE ! MANJE (AN EPIC) looks to the past to reflect on the future

Barbara Loots

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Described as a profound and prophetic lament on the human condition in the age of the machine, big data and the climate catastrophe, MANJE ! MANJE (AN EPIC) is an exciting Magnet Theatre offering currently onstage at the Baxter Theatre until 25 April 2026.

Photo by Mark Wessels.

The production innovatively weaves together Greek mythology, African storytelling and tech dominated modern world anxiety to present a cautionary tale vividly presented: The tale of Daedalus the inventor (played by Jennie Reznek) is the lynchpin that binds the narrative together, with the ensemble acting as a Greek chorus, singing, dancing and chanting their way through the interwoven stories of Europa, Minos, Pasiphae, the Minotaur, Ariadne, Theseus and Icarus. The audience is guided through the production by Mwenya Kabwe, who dons many hats, from Hermes and the older Ariadne to Mother of Icarus. In doing so she makes the production accessible to even those who may not be well acquainted with all the myths at play.  

Photo by Mark Wessels.

MANJE ! MANJE (AN EPIC) employs myth and metaphor to unpack the idea of the “sins of the father” that clings for generations, and the folly of those who rely on “proximity to power” to gain influence and secure faux protection.

How easily humans are seduced by the promise of “more”. Time may move on, but we appear to be repeating the same mistakes and not learning the lessons: The modern “gods” are now just more tech-driven than those the Greeks envisioned.

Photo by Mark Wessels.

Probably best described as a play with music, MANJE ! MANJE (AN EPIC) is divided into “tracks” rather than scenes. The award-winning score composed by Neo Muyanga and performed by Lungiswa Plaatjies (indigenous instrumentalist), Sibusiso Matsimela (musician), Luvo Rasemeni (singer) and Zolina Ngejane (singer) is beautifully moving an amplifies the great ensemble work on display.

This production again shows the strength of Magnet Theatre’s ensemble driven approach to theatre, where every performer contributes to the success of the play in equal measure and to great effect.

Photo by Mark Wessels.

The design by Craig Leo is striking and cleverly draws into its realm the immersive visual images by Marcus Neustetter: The images are incorporated as animated projections onto sheer drops that both divide the stage at times while also becoming part of the play as ever evolving images.

The sum of all these theatrical parts is a vivid theatrical experience that will have you on the edge of your seat for 90 minutes and gifts much food for thought.

MANJE ! MANJE (AN EPIC) is onstage at the Baxter Theatre until 24 April 2026. Tickets can be booked online through Webtickets.