“It all seems urgent until something happens that forces us to stop making lists and start paying attention to our lives.”
“Absolutely inspired … a syncopated tale of everyday to-do lists in which the essential and the ordinary are inextricably entwined. Jennifer Tremblay achieves the universal with economy and lucidity.” – Canadian-Governor General’s Award jury
Winner of three prestigious Canadian awards, Jennifer Tremblay’s masterfully crafted solo play The List, directed by Leila Henriques and starring Susan Danford, will have its South African premiere at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio, from 11 April to 4 May, at 7pm on most nights with the preview performances starting at 6.30pm.
Set in the present day, The List is a compelling and riveting tour de force of everyday to-do lists in which the essential and the ordinary are inextricably entwined. A housewife who prides herself on never letting anything slip by overlooks an item on her list and is forced to deal with its consequences. She has moved away from the chaos of city living to a simpler, quieter alternative where she can raise her two children. However, the difficulty of adapting to rural life, making friends with other mothers in the neighbourhood and obsessing with mundane to-do lists compound to create a moving and poetic one-person play. When a friend requests a favour from her, she adds it to her list. The difference between remembering to do it, and neglecting to take it seriously, is at the heart of the story. It resonates and reverberates.
Celebrated actress Susan Danford returns to the Baxter stage for the first time in four years since her acclaimed performance in I, Claudia and before that in 2006, when she won the Fleur du Cap Best Actress award for her performance in Betrayal, directed by Lara Foot. She received Fleur du Cap nominations for her roles in I, Claudia at the Baxter and Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass opposite Sir Antony Sher.
“For me there was an instant resonance with the character in this story,” says Danford, mother of an nine-year old. “As an actress I have played a broad range of roles – from Southern Belles to the woman from Benoni – but none, for me, so specifically and poetically capturing the contemporary woman – taking the domestic to an epic and majestic level.”
The play has been translated into several languages and produced on stages around the world.
The award-winning Mannie Manim is responsible for lighting, Patrick Curtis, recently nominated for four Fleur du Cap 2013 awards, for design and costumes are by Birrie le Roux.
The Baxter Monday special will apply on 15, 22 and 29 April, where patrons can enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal at the Baxter restaurant, operated by Theresa Peters from the Maharaj, and then go on to the performance at 7pm, for just R110. There will be a Taste, Tweet and Theatre evening on Thursday, 11 April for R110 and then there is a special ‘bring your friend’ performance on Friday 12 April, where two tickets are available for the price of one. Follow the Baxter on Facebook for updates of other events planned for this production.
The List previews at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio 11, 12 April at 6.30pm, opens on 13 April at 7pm and runs for three weeks only until 4 May at 7pm nightly (except on 23 April). Ticket prices are R110 (previews) and R130 (Monday to Thursday) and R150 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or at The Baxter
