PHOTOS Simon Annand and Adrian Kohler WORDS Lauren Shantall
Breaking news: The internationally acclaimed War Horse by Cape Town’s own Handspring Puppet Company will finally be showing in South Africa for the first time. The show comes to Montecasino in Fourways, Joburg, from 22 October to 30 November and to Artscape Opera House in Cape Town from 5 December to 4 January. There’s already entire shows sold out, so book at Computicket now!
If the term ”national treasure“ were applied to any of our local design practitioners, then the Handspring Puppet Company holds a map with an X marking the spot. “Puppets?” you ask. Yes, but this is no Punch and Judy outfit.
For those unfamiliar with the extraordinary multimedia performances of the Handspring Puppet Company, know this: they breathe life into the astonishing moment when fine art merges with drama. That, and the shows are mainly for adults.
Recognised as global leaders in puppetry and production design, Handspring has created over 16 award-winning productions in the space of 30 years. The company was founded in 1981 by artistic director Adrian Kohler and executive producer Basil Jones, who have been joined by director Janni Younge. Since the ongoing production of War Horse first wowed London in 2007, the company’s success has multiplied to the extent that last year Handspring was busy with eight productions on three continents!
If you have yet to experience a Handspring show, Ubu and the Truth Commission is being revived this year to mark the 20th anniversary of our democracy. Keep an eye on its website for performance and exhibition dates.
021 709 0269, handspringpuppet.co.za
Feeling the year of the horse energy? Count the horses and win in our April/May 2014 REWIND REDO RENEW edition, now on shelves.