World-renowned play 1789 to play at Sibikwa Arts Centre this July

The Sibikwa Arts Centre, in association with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Théâtre du Soleil will bring Ariane Mnouchkine’s epic theatre piece 1789 to life on stage.

The piece opens to the public on ‘Bastille Day’, July 14, still a commemorative celebration on the French calendar.

The French Ministry supports the theatre piece for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the French Institute in Paris and the City of Paris.

For this production, veteran directors and founders of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, Phyllis Klotz and Bra Smal Ndaba, have assembled an incredible ensemble cast and crew to bring this historical masterpiece to life at the Sibikwa Arts Centre for a short season this July.

1789, so named for the year of the French Revolution, transports its audience to the streets of Paris – to a country in turmoil on the brink of a revolution. It follows the journey of a range of citizens and the rise against an oppressive regime in the quest for liberty, equality and fraternity.

“This is not a South African adaptation of a French play. We have allowed the themes of the piece to speak for themselves while staying true to the original work of commentary and satire developed by Ariane Mnouchkine and the Théâtre du Soleil all those years ago.

“The audience will feel the echoes of resonance ripple in another revolution,” said Klotz.

With musical theatre and physical style being part of the common language between Théâtre du Soleil and South African theatre, the creative team features opera stars Lehlongonolo ‘Bapi’ Musa and Bongiwe Musa at the helm of musical direction and multi-award-winning theatre practitioner Toni Morkel as the production’s movement coach.

Wilhelm Disbergen takes on the task of recreating the look and feel of the streets and people of Paris in 1789 with costume, music and set design.

The cast features a host of talented musical and physical performers, including Joel Zuma, Mlindeli Zondi, Nomsa Mbatha, Khanyisile Ngwabe, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Snenhlanhla Mgeyi, Masiza Mbali and Zevangeli Mamppofu.

The cast is joined in chorus by the students at the Sibikwa Arts Centre. During the process of rehearsal, they will join a two-week workshop facilitated by Théâtre du Soleil at the Sibikwa Arts Centre.

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Caryn Green, CEO of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, said, “We are thrilled to welcome members of Théâtre du Soleil to Johannesburg to explore theatre-making practices with the rich talents we have at Sibikwa and in the country.”

This collaboration with Sibikwa Arts Centre, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Théâtre du Soleil, brings with it the École Nomade, a two-week immersive workshop series presented by Théâtre du Soleil from June 20 to July 1.

Six artists from the French avant-garde stage ensemble will share their methodology of collective theatre-making with 50 South African creatives of all ages and interests from all over the country.

“We had a huge response to the open call and pleased we could accommodate so many delegates from all over Southern Africa. We cannot wait to see what connections and exchanges the workshops bring about”, said Green.

Sophie Boulé, cultural attachée and deputy director of the French Institute of South Africa, adds, “We are proud and excited to help make Phyllis’ dream come true: to bring the Théâtre du Soleil to South Africa and recreate 1789, hoping this project will help change lives. It is the first time in its history that the Théâtre du Soleil will be on the African continent.

“This iconic institution is known in France for its revolutionary theatre techniques that immerse, transport and inspire the cast and the audience.”

The run will also feature daytime performances to accommodate schools, for whom the French Revolution of 1789 is a vital part of their syllabus.

It will allow learners to take their learning off the page and into their lived experience.

Teachers and learners will receive extensive support material and an informative talk, placing the French Revolution in its historical context and relation to South Africa today.

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