Magnet Theatre is thrilled to present ANIMAL FARM, a contemporary South African version of George Orwell’s ageless novel. Adapted and directed by two-time Fleur du Cap Award winner, Morapeleng Molekoa, this production features the 7th cohort of Magnet Theatre’s Full-Time Training and Job Creation Programme 2025/2026.
In this production, George Orwell’s original story and characters remain unchanged: a group of animals overthrow their human farmer, hoping to create a fair and equal society for all animals. What begins as a hopeful revolution soon unravels into a mirror of how greed and power can corrupt noble causes, and revolutions can repeat the oppressions they seek to end.
Under Morapeleng Molekoa’s direction, Orwell’s powerful allegory is adapted to present-day South Africa, providing audiences young and old with an opportunity to meditate on the tribulations and enduring hope of life in post-Apartheid South Africa. Written in 1945, originally a satirical story about the Russian revolution, Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM explores timeless themes of the corrupting nature of power and the manipulation of truth. Through a blend of text, movement, and song, Molekoa’s adaption explores the transformation of hope into oppression, as truth becomes propaganda and equality is rewritten to justify exploitation. It is an invitation to think deeply about the nature of power and our own political and historical landscape.
This production rounds off the first year of Magnet’s 2-year training programme. Reflecting Magnet Theatre’s signature style of invigorating physical performance, ANIMAL FARM provides the opportunity to the 20 young trainee performers to showcase their new physical and vocal skills and celebrate their powerful burgeoning talent. Original music and songs created by the cast under the instruction of Lungiswa Plaatjie and Karabo Hope Banda contribute, along with astounding physical transformations under the movement direction of Jennie Reznek, to making this a compelling heightened theatrical experience.
WHAT: ANIMAL FARM – George Orwell
WHERE: Magnet Theatre, Cnr Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads, Observatory, Cape Town
WHEN: 26 – 29 November 2025 | Wednesday 26th November Low Price Preview @ 19h00
Thursday 27th November Opening @ 19h00 (by invitation only) Friday 28th November @ 19h00 Saturday matinee 29thNovember @ 14h00
Saturday 29th November @ 19h00
BOOKING: Webtickets and booking for school groups by contacting Magnet Theatre at projects@magnettheatre.co.za | T 021 448 3436
INFO: E projects@magnettheatre.co.za | T 021 448 3436
Performers: Akho Zuzani, Anga Gola, Asiphumeze Stuurman, Aviwe Nose, Ayabonga Yantolo, Aziyena Yamile, Busiswa Mpotye, Inganam Soxuza, Kananelo Lesekele, Kwakhanya Mboniswa, Lithetha Dywili, Liyema Velebayi, Nolwazi Mbutho, Olwethu Thwetsha, Onako Poswayo, Shannon Roode, Simphiwe Sefali, Someleze Madophe, Yolanda Mndayi and Zimfefe Lamani
Singing: Lungiswa Plaatjies and Karabo Hope Banda
Set and Costume Design: Puleng Stewart
Movement Director: Jennie Reznek
Lighting design: Themba Stewart
Magnet Theatre is generously supported in 2025 by: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, HCI Foundation, TK Foundation, The Potjie Foundation, Redefine Properties, MAID Foundation, HCI Foundation, HCI Foundation Community Transport Support Programme, Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Andrea Fine Theatre Bursary, Ampersand Foundation, The City of Cape Town, Khula Cape Foundation, Cape Town Theatre Trust and The Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation.
