The extraordinary Swiss theatre troupe, Mummenschanz, who played to standing ovations in South Africa in 2008, returns for an extensive national tour from 22 February – 17 April 2011. Theatre patrons in Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg can look forward to another spell of mesmerizing Mummenschanz magic.
Acclaimed internationally for their innovative theatre style, these masters of make-believe and illusion wow audiences and critics wherever they perform.
By using everyday objects and unusual materials, such as cardboard boxes, rolls of toilet paper, air vent ducts, expandable clay, masking tape, refuse bags, etc., they create ingenious sculpture-like costumes and huge expressive masks that transform into fascinating and funny creatures. The actors are enveloped by these larger than life costumes throughout the show and it is only during their final curtain call that the audience gets to see them.
Their groundbreaking and curious creations guarantee laughter as they slink, slide, bounce, wriggle and wobble about on stage, portraying everyday situations. Mummenschanz’s quirky humour and imaginative visual shows are appealing to audiences of all ages and cultures.
With a track record of 35 years and performances in 60 countries, Mummenschanz offers perfect family entertainment. Once described by David Copperfield as “truly magical”, Mummenschanz offers a unique theatre experience for everyone.
Mummenschanz will be performing at the SA State Theatre (Pretoria) from 22 to 27 February, the Baxter Theatre (Cape Town) from 1 to 19 March, the PE Opera House (Port Elizabeth) from 29 March to 3 April, the The Playhouse (Durban) from 6 to 10 April and the Joburg Theatre (Johannesburg) from 12 to 17 April. Bookings at Computicket. Ticket prices from R149 to R299.
In 1972, Bernie Schürch and Andres Bossard, both from Switzerland, with Italian-American Floriana Frassetto formed Mummenschanz. The original name, Mummenschanz is roughly translated as ‘masquerade’. These three artists were united by a common goal: to create a non-verbal theatrical language that would transcend the traditional barriers of nationality and culture.
From their first major success at the Avignon Festival 1972, they have gone on to perform in Western and Eastern Europe to North and South America, from Middle East and Africa to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, including the most renowned worldwide festivals. They performed for 3 years at the Bijou Theatre on Broadway.
On the stage, Mummenschanz turn everyday objects and materials into abstract forms, simple costumes and expressive masks, and engage in a wordless dialogue with the audience. The stories and episodes, filled with humour and imagination, deal with human relationships which can be understood by any audience around the world, across any linguistic and cultural boundaries.
PE Opera House Performance dates:
- 29 March to 3 April 2011, Tuesday to Saturday at 20h00, Saturday Matinées at 14h30 and Sunday Matinées at 15h00
- A Half-price preview can be booked for Tuesday 29 March.
See more: http://www.mummenschanz.com/
Alan Straton
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