| What: Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown Presented by and featuring: The Byron Bure Academy of Theatre Arts (BBATA) Venue: The Wave Theatre (Above Tigers Milk, 44 Long Street, Cape Town) Dates: April 29 – May 10, 2026 Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (including a 20-minute interval) Tickets: R200 Direct booking link: https://catchthewave.co.za/tc-events/songs-for-a-new-world/ Director: Byron Groenewald-Bure Assistant director: Tara Macpherson Musical director: Casey Wallace Choreography: Jessica de Bod and Wendy Henrique Physical theatre: Luyanda Jantjies |
In celebration of its 10th birthday, The Byron Bure Academy of Theatre Arts (BBATA) in Cape Town is staging Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World, April 29 – May 10, 2026 at the Wave Theatre. Bure talks about the production and BBATA:
TheCapeRobyn: Firstly, please tell us about Songs for a New World and your academy’s production?
Byron Bure: Songs for a New World, is a song cycle which was first performed in 1994. It was revived in 2018, with minor adjustments. We’re doing the 2018 version, have gender-bent some roles, but the overall message stays the same. The song cycle tells 14 different stories, all connected by a theme: Hitting a wall and having to make a choice; either taking a stand or to turn back. The musical was originally staged with four performers – two male and two female – with the emphasis of storytelling with very little to no movement. In BBATA’s production, we have 13 cast members, and we use beautiful staging, choreography, physical theatre as well as chorus voices, to bring the musical to life.
TCR: How are you, as the director, dealing with the narrative, conceptually, in your production?
BB: Each song takes us on a journey, where the characters hit a wall. We’ve used a simple “black box” set, with sharp edges, angles and levels that can be adapted to each scenario. Watching the characters navigate this space helps guide the audience through the stories.
TCR: Can you tell us about the cast of 13?
BB: The ages of our cast, range from 23 to 40. The ages are typical for BBATA, who are a collection of artists that are either studying at our academy, those who enjoy partaking in the arts after their normal 9-5s or those who simply are looking to upskill, hone or upkeep their craft as graduates from other institutions. BBATA is home to any performer.
TCR: The context for your production? Is it set in the USA? The “character-driven songs reference locations and times, from 1492 to a contemporary New York City penthouse. And in your production?
BB: We are following the script as intentionally written. The music written for each song depicts the scene they are in, both geographically and temporally. The stories, however, are very relatable to any South African audience member as the message of hitting a wall and having to make a choice is universal.
TCR: Have you re-arranged, recorded your own backtracks?
BB: No, we are using the original backing tracks.
TCR: Design – set and costumes – insights please?
BB: The set has been designed by Curated, which is operated by Stephan Fourie who has considerable experience in theatre design and production. The mood reference is “The edge of choice”. That picks up on the overarching message of the musical. For costumes, we’ve gone with the idea of being “devoid of choice” – all the costumes are all in a neutral palette, allowing audience members to focus on the storytelling.
TCR: Why have you chosen Songs for A New World as your 10th anniversary celebration piece for your academy?
BB: I chose this piece as it gives more opportunities to our performers – everyone gets a chance to shine. The show itself is relatively well known in the musical theatre world. It’s written by Jason Robert Brown, also known for “The Last Five Years”, “Parade” and “Honeymoon in Vegas”. Songs for a New World turned 30 in 2025, and a revival was done to celebrate its anniversary at the Hammersmith Apollo. Personally, I’ve always loved the music, its incredible harmonies and I would not want to do it anywhere else, with the students who show daily dedication to our amazing craft.
TCR: Can you tell us about your academy? You offer “personalized and group drama, musical theatre and dance classes for all ages in Cape Town”? Do people attend to upskill and also to continuously improve their stage craft?
BB: BBATA is a place for anyone who is interested in developing their performance skills. We have drama classes for all skill levels – beginner to advanced= including private classes that aim students towards their diplomas in Speech and Drama. We offer private and group singing classes, where students can obtain their diplomas in Musical Theatre. Dance classes are offered in tap, Broadway jazz, hip hop, cabaret, contemporary as well as dance stretch and fitness classes. We also offer physical theatre classes. Anyone can join – it’s a safe space for people to grow and our aim is to allow that growth to happen at a pace that works for the individual, while also being affordable, and of a very high quality. We have many people who are working in the industry doing singing lessons at BBATA – to learn new repertoire, help with auditions and to keep their vocals fresh and active. Our private classes are offered from 08h30 – 19h00, Monday to Friday and between 9h30 and 16h00 on Saturdays. Our adult group classes take place from 17h00 – 20h15 Monday to Thursday.
❇ Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, staging in Cape Town, The Byron Bure Academy of Theatre Arts, April 29 – May 10, 2026, The Wave Theatre. Pic: Supplied.
