Pieter Toerien’s fresh and new Theatre On The Bay has reopened with the South African premiere of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time.
The show will run until Saturday November 3.
Directed by Paul Warwick Griffin, the cast includes Kai Brummer, Lesoko Seabe, Ashley Dowds, Kate Normington, Nicholas Ellenbogen, Liz Szmcak, Jenny Stead, Genna Galloway, Dylan Edy and Clayton Evertson.
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time is an Olivier award and Tony award-winning best play by Simon Stephens, based on the novel of the same name by Mark Haddon.
The story revolves around a mystery of the death of a neighbour’s dog that is being investigated by young Christopher Boone.
The novel is narrated in the first-person perspective by Christopher, a 15-year-old boy who describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties” living in Swindon, United Kingdom. Although Christopher’s condition is not stated, the book’s blurb refers to Asperger syndrome, high-functioning autism, or savant syndrome. The play reworked the source material by changing its voice and presenting the story as a play-within-a-play giving very intimate insight into the main character’s unique perception of the world around him.
In the centre of the action is actor Kai Brummer who graduated from the University of Cape Town in theatre and performance art. Kai cut his teeth in performance at The Boswell Wilkie Circus, which stands him in good stead for the very physical role of Christopher Boone.
Appearing on stage together for the first time in years are theatre legends, Nicholas Ellenbogen and Liz Szmcak, who will each play multiple characters. The married couple have over the years been pillars in the performing arts community, with Nicholas creating over 150 plays, performing around the world and building nine theatres. Nicholas was given a Life Time Achievement Award by the Fleur du Cap panel and has performed several times for the British royal family and for Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. Their three children Matthew, Luke and Amy have all performed in Nicholas’ plays.
The new Theatre On The Bay boasts not only new and fresh contemporary designs in the foyer and auditorium but also a revamped restaurant and performance space. Two VIP boxes have also been added, seating four in each for those wanting a special viewing experience.
Tickets to the show range from R140 to R240 and are available through Computicket or 021 437 1015.