PRODUCTIONS

 

The ReTAGS production research comprises of two different approaches to understanding and exploring how Tragedy is used and conceptualised on the African stage.

 

ARCHIVAL PRODUCTIONS

The one approach in this research focuses on documenting Greek Tragic productions (both adaptations and stagings) that have already happened on the African continent between 1940's to present day.  These archival productions are not easily accessible and therefore we are working with global research citizens to assist us in building up this archive. If you would like to contribute information about a Greek Tragic text that has been adapted in Africa please follow this link.

 

ARTISTIC RESEARCH PRODUCTIONS

The second approach in understanding how Greek Tragedy is used in performance on the African continent is through the reimagining and adaptation of three new commissioned tragedy productions. These new performances form part of a performance based research approach to understanding the form and content of 'the tragic'. Each production has extensive material available of reherasal footage, so you can navigate the creation of the production from its first rehearsal through to the technical rehearsals.

 

Antigone (not quite/quiet), directed by Mark Fleishman, was the first production —in the series of three— produced by UCT's Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies and Magnet Theatre in 2019.

 

iKrele leChiza, directed by Mandla Mbothwe, this second production is an interdisciplinary and episodic performance reimagining the Greek epic the Odyssey by Homer as understood through an African lens and within the landscape of Mbothwe's theatrical mythology.

 

Oedipus at Colonus: #aftersophocles, directed by Mark Fleishman, is the final production interrorgating post-apartheid issues of land hunger, dispossession, occupations and removals.