On 3 June 2024, it will be Franz Kafka’s 100th Death Anniversary, an occasion worthy of being observed in commemoration of Kafka’s impact and success as an author.
The entire year is filled with diverse events and projects by different institutions commemorating and celebrating the life and literature contribution of Franz Kafka.
Mwezi Arts (Malawi) in collaboration with Project R (South Africa) joins this noble global occasion, the theatre company’s production STATE OF THE APE ADDRESS (SOTAA) an adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “A Report to the Academy” is offering the FRANZ KAFKA 100+ TOUR set to present one hundred plus performances dedicated to the 100 years of Kafka’s passage to the other world.
The 100+ shows will be presented in Theatre venues, Cultural centres, Academic and Community institutes around the world. Almost 20 ordinary performances of SOTAA have already been presented to date though the 100+ presentations will be unique (than the ordinary shows) as it will be enhanced by complimenting elements more focused on commemorating Franz Kafka.
The KAFKA 100+ TOUR will embark with the SADC Region TOUR between March and July 2024 across Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.
Having a number of shows already confirmed with Theatre In The Park- Harare (Zimbabwe), Kitwe little theatre, Lusaka Playhouse (Zambia), ALEX theatre company and MMABANA theatre (South Africa)
The theatrical masterpiece is adapted and directed by Stanley Mambo – featuring Taddja Nkhonjera
Produced by Hazel Musochera and Kamogelo Raps Raphadu.
In an exclusive interview with SA POSITIVE NEWS Producer of the play and founder of Project R Kamogelo Raps Raphadu shared insights about this theatrical masterpiece.
“South Africa is indeed the climax of SOTAA Tour across the SADC region. The collaborative partnership with Project R allows an extensive itinerary in most provinces. Opening performances will be at BOTHO Festival this May, then in June we play at TX Theatre, Alex Theatre, Joburg theatre, Theatre on the square, Johannesburg Academy for Theatre arts, Windybrow, Eastern Cape (NAF) and final month is July with Theatre, MMABANA Theatre, Musicon Theatre and Theatre Arts on the cards.”
The synopsis of the play centres on Red Peter, an Ape who was shot, captured and scientifically tamed to mimic the human action and speech presents his report to members of the Academy.
Red Peter loses the memory of what being an Ape feels like. To fit and find a way out, he adapts to handshaking, smoking, spitting, scrolling, performing drinking and war as such appear to be the height of “what makes up humans”.
When asked about how the collaboration between Mwezi Arts and Project R came about, Raps had this to say: “Mwezi Arts and Project R teams have for years been in constant communication seeking potential creative collaborative initiatives between Malawi, South Africa and beyond. SOTAA provided the companies an opportunity to engage and present their debut production. The objectives of the partnership targets beyond SOTAA, to a broader network, production and distribution channels.”
Mwezi Arts and Project R seeks all theatre or art enthusiasts to follow them on all social media platforms but, most importantly engage with their work and projects.
Follow @Mwezi Arts and @Project R across all social media platforms and be informed of where to catch State Of The Ape Address in a Theatre near you.
By Sinenzolo Mondi – Nduku
