January 28, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
THE complexity of human relationships - from the depths of despair to the disturbing nature of love - will be explored at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre in early February, with the performance of two of Shakespeare's greatest works.
The Actors' Centre is presenting two of the most familiar of Shakespeare's dramas - the tragedy of King Lear and the comedy of A Midsummer Night's Dream - at the Tesson Theatre.
Directed by Dorothy Ann Gould, the curtain rises on A Midsummer Night's Dream on Wednesday, 2 February and will run until Saturday, 5 February, with Bill Flynn in the role of Bottom.
"Both in form and feeling, A Midsummer Night's Dream is the most lyrical of all Shakespeare's plays, with its reflections upon imagination and dreaming, the evocation of fairyland, of the moonlit wood, and with romantic love that glows and flames with passion," according to a press release from the Actors' Centre.
The comedy explores the themes of love and duty, of illusion and reality. It sets a group of lovers, who have to sort out their societal roles along with their feelings, against the shadowy, sensual world of the fairy king and his queen - Oberon and Titania - and their machinations.
According to a press release, Gould's focus is on relishing Shakespeare's beautiful language "in all its muscularity, robustness and sensuality".
The following week the Tesson Theatre stage becomes the scene of tragedy, conflict, betrayal, pride, hatred and unconditional love as King Lear travels along his path of destruction.
Directed by Mark Graham, King Lear is on from Wednesday, 9 February to Saturday, 19 February.
An exploration of paternal favouritism, love, lust and betrayal, King Lear tells the tale of an ageing king who gives away his kingdom but cannot let go of his authority.
David Dennis plays Lear, with Kate Normington, Camilla Waldman and Ferry Jele as his daughers. Lerato Moloi takes the role of the Fool, while Greg Melville-Smith plays Kent and Stuart Williams is Edmund.
All performances are at 8pm.
Tickets for both shows are available at Computicket at R53.50 per person (excluding the booking fee). For discount tickets for a minimum of 10 people call VIP Ticketing on 011 877 6854.
For more information about The Actors' Centre call 011 877 6843 or email actorscentre@artslink.co.za
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