In the style of his previous physical comedies Rumpsteak and The Dog’s Bollocks, South African based, Belgian born comic Gaëtan Schmid has created a new one-man show, Body Language.
This time the ‘edutainment’ surrounds the fascinating subject of the secret language of the human body. Even if you don’t want it to, your body talks and won’t easily be shut up. Anthropologically, sociologically, biologically, psychologically, neurologically, but not too seriously; Gaëtan will analyse the provenance and the hidden meaning of everyday gestures. Underneath his irreverent and comical narrative, the social message is of the ever increasing importance of human interaction and communication. Human societal system is based on communication. If we can improve the quality of our communication we will improve the quality of our society, believes Schmid.
From May 3 at the Kalk Bay Theatre, 52 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Book at: Tel: 073 220 5430. Website: www.kbt.co.za.
Directed by its creator Ian von Memerty, Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth (who has replaced Von Memerty in the part recent years) together with two grand pianos, give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation in A Handful of Keys. With music that ranges from the great classic masters Bach and Beethoven; through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fats Waller and via the queens of showbiz and pop, Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace. Von Memerty started this comic two-pianist revue in 1994. The piece has been a good pot-boiler ever since and has toured internationally. These polished performers know their timing – both comic and metronomic. It’s a good solid formula that hasn’t worn thin.
From May 3 at the Theatre on the Bay, 1A Link Street, Camps Bay. Book at Computicket. Tel: 021 438 3301. Website: www.theatreonthebay.co.za
Artscape is mounting a new production of Krismis van Map Jacobs, in the mornings for schools. The play is an adaptation by David Kramer of Adam Small’s novel. The Afrikaans setwork for Grade 12 learners, it is set against the backdrop of forced removals to the Cape Flats in the early 70s. After seven years in prison, feared gang leader, Map Jacobs, is eligible for parole and the question on everybody’s lips is whether Map has changed or not. The play examines the pain and grief of that time, but also looks at the ‘good times” people had before the ‘Big Days”. Map Jacobs needs to find his salvation and, ultimately, his identity amongst the people of his community. Directed and designed by Alfred Rietmann, the cast includes Christo Davids in the lead role, all the more remarkable for he is performing the intense and exhausting role of tik-addict Abie in My Naam is Ellen Pakkies in the evenings.
From May 3 to 13 in the main theatre, Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town. Book at Computicket. Tel: 021 421 7695. Website: www.artscape.co.za