Francois Jacobs and Mncedisi Shabangu in Blood Knot. PICTURE: Siphiwe Mhlambi
Following its sold-out success at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South African theatre legend, Athol Fugard’s acclaimed play, Blood Knot, transfers to the Baxter for a limited season from Wednesday May 11 to Saturday May 28, at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
Fugard’s timeless classic, which tackles themes of brotherhood and hope, first premiered in 1961.
Set in the suburb of Korsten in Port Elizabeth - a place packed with people who are desperately trying to find an opportunity that will offer them some hope - the play delves into the bond between two brothers, the kind that transcends skin colour. They are forced to dream as they navigate the intricacies of being stuck in a place that offers them nothing but its squalor and the poverty that they are confronted with every single moment.
The cast and creative team are led by James Ngcobo who directs Mncedisi Shabangu and Francois Jacobs.
“In Blood Knot Fugard unpacks this country in such a brave manner as he weaves together themes that are still so pertinent in our contemporary times,” says Ngcobo.
“He explores our baggage as a nation in a poetic manner that allows us to look at who we are, what we have gone through and tickles our curiosity about the collective aspirations that we have.
“We have witnessed glimpses of hope popping up from the horizon and then jumped back into despair and hopelessness which raises a litany of questions ... do we still have the South African dream or is it a South African delusion?”
The show has an age restriction of 14 years. Tickets cost from R100. Book through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block or school bookings, charities or fundraisers contact Carmen Kearns on email camen.kearns@uct.ac.za or call 021 680 3993.