GEORGE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - A showcase of three one-person performances by acclaimed South African playwright Mike van Graan will grace the stage at the Market Community Theatre (MCT) during the En Route Mini Festival from 19 to 22 June.
This intimate festival celebrates solo storytelling through three distinct shows, featuring a blend of satire, comedy-drama and poignant reflection.
With sharp satire, heartfelt comedy-drama and poetic reflection, these performances weave together humour, insight and emotion to explore the complexities of life, relationships and society.
"We at the MCT are so excited to be part of this Garden Route Circuit of new comedies and drama straight from Cape Town and Johannesburg en route to the national festivals," says Heather Stead, theatre manager.
"Every show that visits us pays 30% of their income to the MCT in order to help fund our up-and-coming artists who cannot afford full hiring fees. In this way, artists are paying it forward to new artists and our community venue."
Three's the charm
On Thursday 19 June (19:00), the festival opens with So Over the Rainbow, a biting satirical revue featuring Rondo Mpiti-Spies and directed by Dion van Niekerk.
In the tradition of hits like Bafana Republic and My Fellow South Africans, this multi-sketch production delivers an hour of laughter and razor-sharp commentary. From reimagined portrayals of figures like Julius, Zille, and Trump to incisive takes on global and local issues, the show offers a cathartic blend of humour and truth.
Rondo Mpiti-Spies
The following evening, Friday, 20 June (19:00), Erika Breytenbach takes the stage in I Can Buy Myself Flowers, a comedy-drama directed by Toni Morkel.
Drawing inspiration from Miley Cyrus' empowering anthem, this storytelling gem introduces Natalie Jackson, a spirited estate agent in her 50s. Natalie navigates the highs and lows of relationships, parenting, ageing and the enduring bonds of female friendship.
Erika Breytenbach
The festival closes on Sunday 22 June at 16:00 with To Life, With Love, a lyrical and moving performance by Cape Talk's John Maytham, directed by Josh Lindberg. Fresh from sold-out runs at Artscape, the Drama Factory and the Franschhoek Literary Festival, this one-person show is a tender 'love letter to life'.
Maytham explores the joys and challenges of spousal, family and community connections, offering a deeply resonant meditation on the gift of existence.
John Maytham
Tickets for all the shows are R170, available on Quicket. For more information, call Heather on 072 369 3304 or email marketcommunitytheatre@gmail.com.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
