Press: A Voice I Cannot Silence extended to 2 July at The Fugard

Due to overwhelming demand, A Voice I Cannot Silence has been extended until 2 July at The Fugard Studio Theatre.

Originally funded by the National Arts Festival and the South African State Theatre, and produced by The Arts Trust of South Africa, this triple Naledi Theatre award winner is written by Greg Homann and Ralph Lawson.

It is a moving and empathetic personal examination of life as portrayed through Alan Paton's own words, stories, poems, and autobiographies. The play has played to great acclaim and packed houses for this run, which marks its premiere in Cape Town. Press comments have included:

“Well-constructed and intimate…engrossing…four stars” Theresa Smith, Cape Argus

“The text is so beautiful……I returned home with a desire to reread my well thumbed school copy of Cry Thy Beloved Country and look forward to rereading it with a deeper understanding of a man I felt I had met in person on a stage in a theatre in Cape Town 28 years after his death.”

Tracey Saunders, Cape Times

“Lawson kry dit reg om by die man se hart uit te kom”

Mariana Malan, Die Burger

“an accomplished and enigmatic performance in an elegantly mounted production”

Benn van der Westhuizen, Whatsonincapetown.com

“a finely-crafted exploration of the inner force that drove its real-life protagonist, Alan Paton… Ralph Lawson delivers a magnificently full-blooded performance as Alan [Paton]”

David Fick, Broadway World

“Excellent writing and sharp wit… with much food for thought on the context of the society in which we live…enthralling”

Theatre Scene Cape Town

" ... I laughed, I cried and most importantly I learnt more about the brillant man behind the book Cry, the Beloved Country. Whether you are a fan of Paton or not, you will find something in this play that will move you deeply..."

Annzra Denita, Cape Town Etc

The stellar creative team include direction by Greg Homann (Brothers in Blood; Delirium) and cast of Ralph Lawson as Paton; Clare Mortimer as his secretary Anne Hopkins and Menzi Mkhwane as the young man Sponono. Set Design is by Nadya Cohen; Lighting Design by Michael Broderick and Soundscape by Evan Roberts.

Lawson won the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Lead Performance in a Play (Male); Mkhwane won Award for Best Newcomer and Greg Homann and Lawson also won the Award for Best New SA Script.

A Voice I Cannot Silence runs at The Fugard Studio Theatre until 2 July Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee at 4pm on Saturdays. Tickets cost R160 or R150 for groups of ten or more. Bookings can be made at Computicket or the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. Age restriction: PG 13

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Anne