The 031 Theatre Festival is back for its fourth year, promising a celebration of South African theatre with a mix of comedy, drama, music, and solo performances. This year’s festival will feature 10 shows over 10 days, from June 4 to 14, at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS.
Some of the performers taking part in this year’s festival include Toni Morkel in the one-woman show Cottonwool Kid, Aaron McIlroy in the high-energy one-man show Rugby Mad, and Tonya Koenderman in her musical comedy Growing Old Disgracefully. Other notable performances include Ms. B-haved, written and performed by Sue Diepeveen, and Roti Queen, a solo comedy by Shika Budoo.
What to Expect
The festival will feature a diverse range of productions, including three national productions and several local works. The flagship one-woman show, Cottonwool Kid, explores the life of CK, a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents. Ms. B-haved, on the other hand, tells the story of Sally Burkett, a teacher suspended from Littleman Junior School, as she awaits her fate and unpacks what brought her to Zoom teaching.
For music lovers, the festival will feature several musical tributes to women singers, including Karen and Me, with Shannon Kenny as Karen Carpenter, and Jagged Little Tribute, a tribute to Alanis Morissette by Marion Loudon. According to the theatre scene in South Africa, festivals like the 031 Theatre Festival play a crucial role in promoting local talent and showcasing the diversity of South African theatre.
Student Festival
Embedded in the festival is the student festival presented by the International School of Performing Arts, which will showcase the extraordinary talent of its emerging performers. This year’s festival will premiere Age of Ubuntu, a gripping new student play by Damien Butt, which follows the story of Marcus, an ordinary young man whose life is upended after he accidentally causes the death of another person in a road incident.
Some of the other shows that will be featured at the festival include:
- Comedy Games, featuring Patrick Kenny
- Britney in the Underworld, a one-woman cabaret starring Kaylee McIlroy
- Roti Queen, a solo comedy by Shika Budoo
With its diverse range of productions and talented performers, the 031 Theatre Festival is an event not to be missed. As noted by the eThekwini Municipality, the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene is a major drawcard for tourists and locals alike.
