Athol Fugard’s ‘Blood Knot’ will premiere for Cape Town audiences this May

Francois Jacobs and Mncedisi Shabangu in ‘Blood Knot’. Picture: Sipihiwe Mhlambi

Francois Jacobs and Mncedisi Shabangu in ‘Blood Knot’. Picture: Sipihiwe Mhlambi

Published May 3, 2022

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Cape Town - A timeless classic by Athol Fugard, titled “Blood Knot”, will come to Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre, following its immense success at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.

“Blood Knot” first premiered in 1961 and many feel it still carries the same messages today as it did back then.

The production will be led by a multi-award winning cast, under the guidance of director James Ngcobo. He will lead actors Mncedisi Shabangu and Francois Jacobs in this hit production

The story is set in the suburb of Korsten in Port Elizabeth (now Gqerberha), a place packed with people desperately searching for an opportunity of hope.

It tackles themes of brotherhood and hope as two brothers, whose love transcends their skin colour, are forced to navigate the intricacies of being stuck in a place that offers nothing but difficulties.

It is relatable and searingly intimate and offers hope in this very delicate conversation with South Africa’s present-day reality.

James Ngcobo is an award-winning actor and director, and the artistic director at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, as well as working internationally in New York and London.

“In ‘Blood Knot’, Fugard unpacks this country in such a brave manner as he weaves together themes that are still so pertinent in our contemporary times. We have witnessed glimpses of hope popping up from the horizon and then jumped back into despair and hopelessness which raises a litany of questions ... Do we still have the South African dream or is it a South African delusion?” said Ngcobo.

Both Shabangu and Jacobs have plenty of years of experience under their belts, and both are familiar with Ngcobo and Fugard’s work respectively. Their local and international experience and outstanding reputation will captivate audiences with their performances.

The production takes place from 11 to 28 May 2022 at 7.30, with Saturday matinees at 2.30.

There is an age-restriction of 14 years and tickets can be bought at http://www.webtickets.co.za/ or at Pick N Pay retailers.

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