Climate Change Project, SURGE, at the Magnet Theatre, directed by Roshina Ratnam and designed by Hansie Visagie, is set to premiere at the theatre as well as tour to neighbouring schools and centres in October 2022.
SURGE asks: Why should young people care about climate change when they are facing so many other seemingly more pressing challenges? How can young people make a difference? How can we all think differently about the world’s renewable and non-renewable resources? The 11 Magnet Acting and Performance interns are working with object manipulation and puppetry to shape a world of wonder and intrigue.
Hansie Visagie brings his huge experience as a puppeteer and designer to the work with an innovative and imaginative design that holds the magic of the story. The journey focuses on the twists and turns of our relationship with natural resources as both sources of and destroyers of life.
Director, Roshina Ratnam, says of the project: “SURGE is an exciting opportunity for us to explore and confront this uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming subject. Through the use of objects as metaphors, spaces and characters we aim to create a world where the audience is pushed to action because they know that they have the power to make change”.
Under Ratnam’s award-winning eye and guidance, the cast; Azola Mkhabile, Buhle T. Stefane, Kuhle Myathaza, Lindokuhle Melaphi, Mihlali Bele, Molupi Lepeli, Nosiphiwo Ndabeni, Siphenathi Siqwayi, Sipho Kalako, Thabo Mkenene and Wendy Mrali, bring to life a delightfully provocative world that looks at the role that young people can play in initiating conversations and imagining alternative futures in relation to the scarcity of resources.
“Climate change has happened because of human behaviour, therefore it’s only natural it should be us, human beings, to address this issue. It may not be too late if we take decisive actions today.”
Ban Ki Moon (Former Secretary-General of the United Nations)
WHERE: Magnet Theatre, Corner Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads, Observatory, Cape Town 7925
WHEN: Thursday, 20th – Friday, 21st October: Matinees (time TBC) Saturday 22nd Oct: Matinee @ 15h00 & Evening show @ 19h00
TOUR: From Mon 24th – Sat 29th October 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 E zamah@magnettheatre.co.za
You can also book a performance at your centre or school by contacting Zamah or on WhatsApp 064 902 9761 or by calling 021 448 3436
INFO: T 021 448 3436 | E zamah@magnettheatre.co.za | Visit
PHOTO: From left to right – Roshina Ratnam, Buhle T. Stefane, Wendy Mrali, Thabo Mkenene (standing behind veil)
Siphenathi Siqwayi (kneeling behind veil), Nosiphiwo Ndabeni (center-right), Molupi Lepeli, Azola Mkhabile (kneeling)
and Lindokuhle Melaphi (far right). Image by Terra Nzimande.
See also Cape Town Green Map
