๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฆ – ๐๐จ๐ฏ ๐๐-๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ – ๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ – ๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง
Rapturous standing ovation for Animal Farm – featuring the cohort from Magnet Theatre Fulltime Training and Job Creation Programme. This is Magnetโs 7th cohort of trainees from the programme. The cohort has completed its 1st year of training. It is a two year programme. This production is the first time that the artists are on stage, for the public, explained Magnetโs Jennie Reznek.
Superb performances under the brilliant direction of Morapeleng Molekoa who has also done the adaptation of the George Orwell classic, Animal Farm (written 1945). This is an impressive production in every way – with signature Magnet physical theatre and superb characterisation. Beautiful multi-tiered set by Puleng Lange Stewart (and costumes) and lighting by Themba Stewart. I say โbeautifulโ and it is important as the beauty acts as a foil for the ugliness in this satire.
Molekoa writes in the directorโs note that 2025 has seen โa new wave of youth-led movements around the world, from Nepal and Madagascar to Peru, Morocco and Togaโฆ โHe says that he is staging this play to โremind us, the youth that we hold the power to catalyse change. That is why the adaptation is done with a group of twenty young people.โ
Reznek told me that the ages range from 20-37. Some are just out of school. Others have worked in a diverse range of careers. There is an urgency and violence to this production. It is a psychological thriller for our times. Humans are not nice animals. From 1945 when Orwell wrote the story to 2025 – yeah, some are definitely more equal than others. It is also VERY funny, darkly hilarious. The comic timing by the cast, riffs off the edge of Orwellโs vision of humanity. Awe inspiring talent in the company.
Bravo to Magnet, the trainees and creative team for presenting this important story on stage and for showcasing and celebrating emerging actors in the industry. Short run – finishes Nov 29. This production would work well in the Baxterโs Flipside. Just saying.
To sum up โ Magnetโs Animal Farm 2025 โ is urgent, dark, hilarious. A must see.
