The Fugard Theatre’s star-studded production of Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca has been extended due to an overwhelming response and universal critical acclaim. The play will be presented at the Fugard Theatre until 12 May.
Eric Abraham presents this Fugard Theatre production in honour of this iconic playwright’s 85th year, who marked this milestone birthday in June last year. This year also marks the 120th year of Helen Martins’ birth on 23 December 1897.
Inspired by Helen Martins, who lived in Nieu-Bethesda and created the now-famous The Owl House – 
which is designated a national heritage site – The Road to Mecca is the story of a woman’s desire for personal and artistic freedom within the narrow confines of a conservative and highly religious community in the Karoo in early seventies apartheid South Africa.
The Owl House by Anne Graaff, is available for sale at The Fugard Theatre. Her incisive text with beautiful photographs by Samantha Reinders provides a well informed context to the production.
The Road to Mecca Team
The play features South African icons Sandra Prinsloo as Miss Helen and Marius Weyers as Rev. Marius Byleveld with bright young star Emily Child as Elsa Barlow. Direction is by the Fugard Theatre’s Resident Director Greg Karvellas (The Fugard’s Shakespeare in Love, The Eulogists, Clybourne Park, The Father, Bad Jews).
The production is designed by Saul Radomsky (The Fugard’s Bad Jews, Clybourne Park, District Six, Kanala, The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek) with lighting by Mannie Manim (The Fugard’s The Mother, The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek, The Blue Iris) and costumes by Birrie Le Roux (The Fugard’s West Side Story, Kanala, The Father, The Mother, Clybourne Park, King Kong). Sound design will be by the Fugard’s resident Musical Director Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (The Fugard’s King Kong, West Side Story, The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl).
The rapturous press response to The Road to Mecca
‘A tribute to the calibre of direction and acting…4 stars’ – Beverley Brommert, Cape Argus
‘Die puntenerige perfeksie beindruk…4 stars’ – Mariana Malan, Die Burger
‘superbly executed…outstanding.. Saul Radomsky’s set is superb…one of the finest pieces of acting you will ever see’ – Orielle Berry, Cape Times
‘superbly played… Saul Radomsky’s magnificent set captures the love and light of Miss Helen’s real Owl House… lighting maestro Mannie Manim has brought his considerable talent and vision.. it is a rare treat to see it performed in the 85th year of the playwright’s life’ – Marianne Thamm, Daily Maverick
‘Brilliant. Emotionally riveting’ – John Maytham, Cape Talk
‘[Saul Radomsky’s set] is outstanding and provides the ideal backdrop for these three master actors to play out a story that still resonates 30-odd years after Fugard wrote it.’ – Briony Chisholm, Whatsonincapetown.com
‘a complete masterclass in acting’ – Megan Furniss, Weekend Special
‘something truly special…a fantastic display of storytelling’ – Barbara Loots, Theatre Scene Cape Town
‘a theatrical experience of rare privilege which should not be missed’ – Terry Levin, Bizcommunity.com
WHAT, WHERE & WHEN: THE ROAD TO MECCA runs at the Fugard Theatre, corner of Harrington and Caledon Streets, District Six, Cape Town 8001 until 12 May 2018 Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee on Saturdays.
TICKETS: from R130 to R230. Bookings can be made through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. There is a generous 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members.
PHOTO: Sandra Prinsloo, Marius Weyers and Emily Child in The Road to Mecca. Photo credit Daniel Rutland Manners
