Press Release: Acclaimed Vaslav back by popular demand for three shows only

Following the unanimous acclaim for the new cabaret, Vaslav, Godfrey Johnson returns to perform the show for three performances only. These will take place at Kalk Bay Theatre on 22 and 23 August at 8pm with a matinee on 23 August at 14h30.

“We knew that the artistic team had created something special with Vaslav, but we have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the production,” says Simon Cooper, Producer at KBT Productions. “Following universal rave reviews and sold-out houses, we have added three more chances for Cape Town audiences to catch this show.”

Vaslav celebrates the life and madness of legendary Russian Ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, who was a visionary and daring performer who changed people’s perceptions of male performers and of dance in general. The show blends together an intoxicating combination of original and period music, with movement and video. Set in a mental asylum when Vaslav is an older man, his story unfolds in vivid fragments of memory and flashbacks to his past.

The stellar creative team includes director Lara Bye (Oskar en die Pienk Tannie; Rainbow Scars; London Road; Yellowman), and performer Godfrey Johnson (Fifty Shades of Bambi; The Shadow of Brel; FAK Songs and Other Struggle Anthems). Text is by Godfrey Johnson, Lara Bye and Karen Jeynes (Everybody Else (is Fucking Perfect); Wake Up and Smell the Coffee; Kiss Kiss), based on the diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky.

Fiona Du Plooy (Angels on Horseback; Betesda; Babbel) is the Movement Coach. Music is composed and arranged by Godfrey Johnson with additional song lyrics and text by Lara Bye and Godfrey Johnson. Lighting is by Jon Keevy and Set and Costume Co-ordination is by Joanna Evans.

Praise for Vaslav has included:

“In Vaslav [Johnson] reaches new heights… cabaret at its darkest and finest….dazzling…mesmerising” Tracey Saunders, Cape Times

“A top-rate production from Johnson, Bye and Karen Jeynes….4 stars” Beverley Brommert, Cape Argus

“An intensely memorable, moving piece of theatre" Steyn Du Toit, Sunday Independent.

“Godfrey Johnson stel nie teleur nie” Mariana Malan, Die Burger

“ an intense evocation of the life of this passionate man… a passionate performance….Godfrey impresses… a meaty, thought-provoking play….” Michelle Saffer, False Bay Echo

“a dynamic, vigorous and disturbing exploration of Nijinsky's mind….David Fick, Broadway World

a thoughtful and realistic insight into the immensely troubled mind of a legendary man known as

‘The God of the Dance… Godfrey Johnson gives a typically assured performance, effortlessly embodying the intensive and troubled character….Lara Bye has once again triumphed” Angeliki Theodorou, Whatsonincapetown.com

“the opportunity to glimpse genius, both that of Vaslav and Johnson…. If you don’t go and see Vaslav at Kalk Bay Theatre before run ends.... you will be depriving your soul of a unique love-story” TheatreSceneCpt

Vaslav will be performed at Kalk Bay Theatre on 22 and 23 August at 8pm and on 23 August at 2.30pm.

Age restriction: 13+ (Language and sexual reference)

Tickets cost R80 and R70 for Gallery seats, where you sit upstairs.

To book, visit www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za

Guests can enjoy a delicious supper before the evening show. For information and to book a table for dinner, contact 079 361 8275.

Press release provided by Christine Skinner.

Photo credit Dex Goodman