Some of the performers taking place in this year’s 031 Festival. Back from left: Shannon Kenny in Karen and Me; Aaron McIlroy in Rugby Mad and Toni Morkel in Cottonwool Kid. Front is Patrick Kenny in Comedy Games.
Image: Shelley Kjonstad
A rugby mad superfan; a teacher suspended from school; a woman growing old disgracefully; a Bollywood-loving roti-making wife; a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents – these are some of the characters one can meet at the fourth annual family-friendly 031 Theatre Festival at the Seabrooke's Theatre at DHS from June 4 to 14.
This year’s festival promises a celebration of South African theatre, featuring a mix of comedy, drama, music and solo performance.
Three national productions appear on the programme. First is the flagship one-woman show, Cottonwool Kid. Performer Toni Morkel and director Sylvaine Strike have woven together a compelling narrative exploring the life of CK, who goes through her journey with her loyal dog Luigi. CK is a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents.
Ms. B-haved, is written and performed by Sue Diepeveen and directed by Natasha Sutherland. Sally Burkett is in disgrace and suspended from Littleman Junior School. Sally thought that her 30 years of teaching had given her immunity to scandal, but the “much loved” Ms. B has somehow rocked the small school and town to its core. Laugh along with Sally as she awaits her fate and unpacks what brought her to Zoom teaching.
In her musical comedy Growing Old Disgracefully, celebrated international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman takes to the stage with a frank, funny, and delightfully irreverent look at the trials and triumphs of ageing.
Durban stalwarts will be presenting new works. Rugby takes centre stage in the high-energy, one-man show Rugby Mad, written and performed by Aaron McIlroy. It is a fast-paced performance, featuring a cast of colourful characters.
Roti Queen is a solo comedy by Shika Budoo, directed by Dhaveshan Govender. Marriage is a dance between love, sacrifice, and personal identity. Amrita, once a professional dancer, unravels domestication, dedication and life’s decisions as she makes a fresh batch of roti for her 19th anniversary dinner (which she cooks live on stage).
There are three musical tributes to women singer: Karen and Me, with Shannon Kenny as Karen Carpenter, directed by Darren King; Marion Loudon’s tribute to Alanis Morissette in Jagged Little Tribute; and Britney in the Underworld, a one-woman cabaret starring Kaylee McIlroy and directed by Lisa Bobbert.
Embedded in the festival is the student festival presented by International School of Performing Arts to showcase the extraordinary talent of its emerging performers.
This year's festival premieres Age of Ubuntu, a gripping new student play by Damien Butt. The story follows Marcus, an ordinary young man whose life is upended after he accidentally causes the death of another person in a road incident.
There’s also the wildly popular Comedy Games, an improv comedy experience packed with quick wit, audience interaction, and high-energy fun. It is led by ISPA’s improv drama teacher and MC Patrick Kenny. There will also be a showcase featuring a highlights package of some of the best performance pieces created by the students.
The 031 Festival offers a 10% discount if you buy five tickets or more for a show. There’s ample off-street parking, a bar and refreshments and a curated mini festival market. Tickets through Webtickets.