A Cock & Bull Story is the localised reimagining of British playwrights Richard Zajdlic and Richard Crowe’s blockbuster play of the same name.
At the hand of Quentin Krog, director of the film ‘Ballade for a Enkeling’, and actor Geon Nel, the setting is transferred to contemporary suburban Cape Town.
The production features Edwin van der Walt (‘Ballade for a Enkeling’, ‘Hollywood in my Huis’, ‘Die Pro’ and ‘Modder en Bloed’) and Dean John Smith (2014 Fleur du Cap Award winner for Most promising Student), undoubtedly two of South Africa’s most promising young actors, and is directed and designed by Marthinus Basson with lighting designed by Chris Pienaar.
TJ (Dean-John Smith) is a promising young boxer on the eve of a bout that could make or break his career. He is waiting for his friend Jaco (Edwin van der Walt), who always prepares him both mentally and physically for his fights. TJ’s confidence has waned after a recent humiliating defeat against tonight’s opponent – and Jaco is late.
For TJ boxing is not just a passion, it’s an escape from his lower middle-class background and a passport to a better life. Jaco on the other hand has to measure himself against the long shadow cast by his father, a local legend with underworld connections and notoriety as a street fighter. But tonight is a battle of a different kind. Instead of measuring their strength in the ring TJ and Jaco will test the limits of friendship in the locker room.
This exciting two-hander is filled with testosterone induced male bravado, from bragging about girls to locker room chatter and excessive physicality. However, underneath this veneer is a delicate exploration of friendship, sexuality and mutual dependence.
Gritty and fierce, the characters are challenged psychologically and physically, making for an exciting, emotional and gripping journey of discovery.
This localised version has a real sense of authenticity and is superbly choreographed by Marthinus Basson, with gripping performances by the two leads!
WHAT: A COCK & BULL STORY – Richard Zajdlic and Richard Crowe’s “knockout hit play”
WHEN: to Saturday 28 May Tue – Sat @ 8pm | Sat 28 May @ 5pm & 8pm
TICKETS: R100 / R120 / R160 / R180 – book via Computicket, 086191598000 or 0214383100.
WHERE: Theatre on the Bay, Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town 8005
