Afrikaaps Musical Play at the Artscape Theatre

The lauded musical about the origins of Kaaps and Afrikaans heads to the Artscape Theatre

After wowing audiences around the world, garnering critical acclaim at the 2010 ABSA Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees (KKNK) and picking up numerous awards along the way, Afrikaaps is headed to the stage at the Artscape for a limited run from Thursday, 29 to Saturday, 31 May 2014.

Brought together by director Catherine Henegan, the ensemble, known as Die Argitekbekke (the architect mouths), utilise their various talents to go about retelling the long-forgotten history of Kaaps and the origins of Afrikaans through an afro hip-hopera.

Set in a futuristic and digital landscape, the production fuses hip-hop, spoken word, ghoema and Kaapse Klopse music, poetry, film and dance to tell the story of a language that traces its roots back to the slaves and the indigenous people of the Cape. The show is brought to life by a stellar cast of local singers, poets, b-boys, rappers and musicians and the musical is evocative and stimulating while still being thoroughly entertaining.

Since taking to the stage in 2010, Afrikaaps has enjoyed critical success in South Africa, and has walked away with several awards including the local KYKNET Fiesta Awards for ‘Best Music Driven Production’ and ‘Best Upcoming Professional Artist’, six South African Theatre Award nominations and the ‘International Choice Award’ from Wijkjury Amsterdam following their tour to the Netherlands in 2011.

Additionally, during the initial stages of the production, the award-winning SA filmmaker Dylan Valley documented the production’s journey from the workshop phase and backroom rehearsals to opening night and, ultimately, the show’s subsequent successes.

CAST FOR THE AFRIKAAPS MUSICAL AT THE ARTSCAPE THEATRE

• KYLE SHEPHERD: composer, multi-instrumentalist, jazz prodigy and the show’s musical director.
• JITSVINGER: vernacular rapper, poet and guitarist.
• EMILE YX? JANSEN: Mzansi hip-hop icon and cultural activist.
• BLAQ PEARL: soulful songstress, spoken word poet and TEDxCapeTown speaker.
• BLIKSEMSTRAAL: b-boy rapper extraordinaire.
• MOENIER ADAMS: award-winning dancer, singer and entertainer.
• JETHRO LOUW: plakkerskamp poet, Khoisan activist, traditional instrumentalist and storyteller.

TICKETS FOR THE AFRIKAAPS MUSICAL AT THE ARTSCAPE THEATRE

Tickets for the Afrikaaps shows cost R80p/p, and are available via Computicket.com and Computicket outlets; block bookings of 10 or more pay R72p/p.

SHOW TIMES FOR THE AFRIKAAPS MUSICAL AT THE ARTSCAPE THEATRE

SPONSOR A CHILD A TICKET TO SEE THE AFRIKAAPS MUSICAL AT THE ARTSCAPE THEATRE

In an effort to bring youth groups from the Cape Flats and surrounding areas to see this groundbreaking show, the Heal the Hood organisation is looking to sponsor 500 tickets to children from underprivileged communities. For more information on how to assist or to make a donation, visit HealTheHood.org.za or contact Emile Jansen at emileyx@gmail.com or +27 (0) 82 395 8125.

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Looking for more places to see a show? Have a look at our overview of theatres and dinner theatres in Cape Town.
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