Add as a preferred source on Google

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, and a slew of woman singers, are just some of the characters you can meet at the 031 Theatre Festival to take place at the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS from June 4 to June 14.

This year’s festival promises a vibrant celebration of South African theatre, featuring a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, music, and solo performance.

Spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) it offers theatre-goers an exciting and eclectic programme of shows – including some from out of town.

The flagship one-woman production, Cottonwool Kid, is performed by Toni Morkel and directed, Sylvaine Strike, weaves together a compelling narrative exploring the life of CK, a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents. She is accompanied on her journey with her loyal dog, Luigi.

ALSO READ | Cool new festival in the KZN Midlands

Another must-see is Ms. B-haved, written and performed by Sue Diepeveen and directed by Natasha Sutherland, in her directorial debut.

It tells the story of Sally Burkett, who has been suspended from Littleman Junior School. She 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.

More humour can be found in the musical comedy, Growing Old Disgracefully, starring cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman, who takes to the stage with a frank, funny, and delightfully irreverent look at the trials and triumphs of ageing.

Rugby takes centre stage in the high-energy, laugh-out-loud one-man show Rugby Mad, written and performed by McIlroy. The show, which is premiering at this year’s 031 Theatre Festival., features a cast of colourful characters.

ALSO READ | Darryl David to present Alan Paton lecture at UKZN

Roti Queen is a another solo comedy show, starring Shika Budoo, directed by Dhaveshan Govender, which reveals that 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).

Music lovers, meanwhile, will enjoy Karen and Me, with Shannon Kenny as Karen Carpenter, directed by Darren King; Marion Loudon’s tribute to Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Tribute; and Britney in the Underworld, a one-woman cabaret starring Kaylee McIlroy and directed by Lisa Bobbert.

As part of the 031 Theatre Festival, third year students from the International School for the Performing Arts (ISPA) will be staging Age of Ubuntu, a gripping new student-written and produced 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.

ALSO READ | Get a perfect pet portrait at the 1000 Paws Walk

Also at the festival will be the wildly popular Comedy Games, an improv comedy experience packed with quick wit, audience interaction, and high-energy fun, led by ISPA’s improv drama teacher and MC Patrick Kenny.

Last, but not least, there will be a highlights package of some of the best performance pieces created by the students in different formats and genres.

Tickets can be booked through Webtickets, Buy five tickets or more for a show, and get 10% discount. There is off-street parking at DHS, and a bar and refreshments.

A curated mini festival market will add to the fun.

ALSO READ | ANC pledges support for KZN’s creative industry

The full programme is set out below:

• Comedy Games – Thursday, June 4 at 8pm and Friday, June 5 at 8pm. Tickets R150.

• ISPA Student Showcase – Thursday, June 4 at 6pm and Friday, June 5 at 6pm. Tickets R150.

• Karen and Me – Saturday, June 6 at 6pm and Sunday, June 7 at 12 noon. Tickets R180 (R160 concessions).

• Growing Old Disgracefully – Saturday, June 6 at 4pm and Sunday, June 7 at 4pm: Tickets R180 (R160 concessions).

• Jagged Little Tribute – Saturday, June 6 at 8pm and Sunday, June 7 at 12 noon. Tickets are R180 (R160 concessions).

• Age of Ubuntu – Saturday, June 6 at 2pm and Sunday, June 7 at 6pm. Tickets R150.

• Rugby Mad – Tuesday, June 9 at 7pm, Wednesday, June 10 at 7pm, Thursday, June 11 at 8pm, Saturday, June 13 at 6pm and Sunday, June 14 at 2pm. Tickets are R180 (R160 concessions).

• Cottonwool Kid – Thursday, June 11 at 6pm, Friday, June 12 at 8pm and Saturday, June 13 at 2pm. Tickets are R180 (R160 concessions).

• Ms. B-haved – Friday, June 12 at 6pm, Saturday, June 13 at 4pm and Sunday, June 14 at noon. Tickets are R180 (R160 concessions).

• Britney in the Underworld – Saturday, June 13 at 12 noon and Sunday, June 14 at 4pm. Tickets are R180 (R160 concessions).

• Roti Queen – Saturday, June 13 at 8pm and Sunday, June 14 at 6pm. Tickets R180 (R160 concessions).