southern african theatre @ the oval

The Oval House Theatre in London is laying on a lavish 6-month season of theatre from Southern Africa. Athol Fugard's great play from Apartheid era South Africa, The Island, kicks off the season. Performed by the legendary Market Theatre of Johannesburg and featuring John Kani and Winston Ntshona, it runs at the Oval House from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 May.

The Oval House is offering those who pay to see The Island free tickets to see Some Mother's Sons, a new play by Mike Van Graan, which runs at the venue from 10 to 27 May. Please phone 020-7582-7680 to take up the offer.

New South African playwrighting will be getting special rehearsed readings in the Diamonds in the Rough series, running from 9 to 13 May. The plays to be read are:
10 May - Green Man Flashing by Mike Van Graan
11 May - Salaam Stories by Ashraf Johaardien
12 May - iVirgin Boy by Peter Kurmmeck; and
13 May - Madiba Street by Hans Pienaar

Another production, Qabuka: Adventures in Exile, about the lives of Zimbaweans living in the UK, will be on from 28 June to 15 July (some start times even take account of World Cup fixtures!)

On 7 July at 8pm, there is the one-off Queen of Africa, with Zimbabwean drag-performer Kudah Samuriwo, exploring his life, love and gender in a story spanning international borders. A work-in-progress, it is part of a collaboration with Nigerian playwright Dipo Agboluaje.

All through, there will be talks and seminars featuring the likes of John Kani and Janet Suzman.

And this is just Part I of the season. Details of Part II, running from October to December, coming soon.