The Theatre on the Square in Sandton was filled on July 29 as theatre lovers gathered for the Johannesburg opening of Once Upon a Teacup, Jessica Haines’ acclaimed one-woman production.

The 70-minute performance, written and performed by Haines and directed by award-winning theatre-maker James Cuningham, received a warm reception from a packed audience during its Sandton debut.

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After earning praise at its world premiere in Sri Lanka and at the Hilton Arts Festival in KZN, the production has now made its Sandton premiere at Theatre on the Square, where it runs until August 1.

Once Upon a Teacup follows Violet, a young girl growing up in Africa as she navigates childhood imagination, the pressures of modern life, social media, and the journey into adulthood.

Told entirely in rhyming couplets, the production combines physical theatre, movement, object puppetry, shadow theatre, light and sound to create a visually striking performance.

Haines said the story explores both the joy and vulnerability of growing up.

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“The play explores the notion and power of imagination and the toll it takes under pop culture constructs, social media, and the inevitable pressure of growing up. I am hoping the story reawakens the child in everyone.”

The production has already received glowing reviews from theatre critics, who have praised its emotional storytelling, physical performance and inventive use of shadow theatre.

Director James Cuningham, whose career spans more than 60 theatre, film and television productions across 15 countries, brings his extensive international experience to the production.

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