Mike Van Graan’s Panic at the Artscape

The new climate change comedy featuring famed funnyman Siv Ngesi


Polar bears in the Karoo?  A tsunami burying Table Mountain?  This fast-paced one-man show thrusts an out-of-control obsession with climate change issues onto the stage at the Artscape Theatre from Tuesday, 28 until Saturday, 8 June 2013.

Written by acclaimed playwright and arts activist Mike van Graan, directed by Heinrich Reisenhofer and featuring renowned actor and comedian Siv Ngesi, the solo-acted satire revolves around the fears and struggles of Thando, a young man in his late 20s who faces a number of conflicts – from internal and relational to macro and domestic. From the outside, it seems like Thando’s life couldn’t be more perfect: he’s the son of a millionaire BEE oil magnate and the heir apparent. What troubles this young man, though, is the ethical issues surrounding the company’s profits and his family’s (especially his father’s) expectations of him joining in the business.

While audiences watch Thando grapple with his conscience and the growing pressure to satisfy his family’s wishes, they’ll also be privy to a monologue that points out the connections between “climate change and the exploitation of mineral resources, wars and armed conflicts, the abuse of human rights and inequality within the world.”

The Cape Town premier of Panic comes just weeks before the show’s journey to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

Tickets for Mike Van Graan’s Panic at the Artscape

Tickets are available via Computicket.com, Computicket outlets and the Artscape Box Office. Prices are R50p/p for the preview performance (Tuesday, 28 May), R70p/p for shows on Monday, 3 and Tuesday, 4 June and tickets for all other evenings cost R100p/p. Discounts are available at the Artscape Box Office to all pensioners, students, PANSA & SAGA members.

The play runs every evening (except Sunday, 2 June) and starts at 7:30pm. Though, on Saturday, 1 an additional 5pm show is scheduled.

The show runs for 1 hour and 15 minutes with no interval. 

---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn and check out our Pinterest boards for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2026
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30

Two Oceans Aquarium 2024Leadership, scuba diving, concerts + ...

Plus markets, fun runs and youth-led conversations (June 16)

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

mischu new breakfast 2026Breakfast at mischu: R119 special with ...

Eggs benedict & flat white for R119, + try the viral crookie

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

WTM 2026 post eventInside WTM Africa 2026, its biggest ...

8 000+ attendees, 780 exhibitors, and record growth

HintHunt Mission RoomPac-Man meets Jumanji at HintHunt’s ...

Be it family fun, a first-date spark or friends’ game night, the challenge is ...

West Coast Safaris 2025A seasonal guide to West Coast Private ...

Flowers in spring, whales in summer and wildlife all year

Freedom Adventure ParkThis isn’t just your average play ...

Spaceships, astronauts & glow in the dark obstacle courses

Palm House Boutique HotelPalm House Boutique Hotel and Spa

Glamorous 5-star suites and dining in a 1920s grand home

DAY TIIME EXTRAAFamily eatery with buffet brunch on ...

Brunch is served until 2pm, and kids under 10 eat for half price

SITTING AT BARWhere to go for a long Saturday ...

Breakfast buffet every Saturday with shisha and sport upstairs

Masque Theatre 2026Broadway brilliance on Cape Town’s ...

Fast-paced musical full of disguises, drama and delightful chaos

GiveawaysTravel Tips