Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Multitalented stalwart of the South African entertainment industry for over two decades, Nataniël is more than just a producer, director, designer, playwright, public speaker and performer – he is a true icon of stage and screen. Often controversial, Nataniël has never been afraid to push boundaries and his new creation, After Animals, promises to be a unique and unforgettable theatrical event.

Inspired by Nataniël’s travels and passion for art, this show was conceived after an incident in a gallery in Europe where Nataniël met an artist who had created an exquisite paper model of a white, empty zoo. The artist handed viewers pens and asked them to write on the base of the model. They had to write the names or descriptions of anyone or anything they thought should live in the zoo. Nataniël wrote, The Beasts That Try To Rule Us, The Demons That Haunt Us, The Monsters We May Become. Within days the idea for this new show had taken shape.

Taking place in the not-so-distant future, After Animals is dark, dramatic, fantastical, funny and surprising. The story begins on the night when the last animal on earth gets slaughtered and eaten during a secret ceremony. This event causes the already fragile world to immediately start changing, from the forests to the cities, from the homes of families to the hearts of the most powerful individuals. This alarming scenario forms the backdrop for Nataniël’s stories and songs, expertly performed in both English and Afrikaans.

The hugely talented all-male cast includes Nicolaas Swart (vocals), newcomer Francois Joubert (vocals), Martin van Heerden (dancer), Bradley Dreyer (acrobat), Charl du Plessis (keyboards), Juan Oosthuizen (guitar), Werner Spies (bass) and Hugo Radyn (drums).

After Animals will open in the magnificent Theatre of Marcellus on 20 August and will run until 27 September, during which time it is set to captivate audiences with its masterful blend of music, storytelling and breathtaking costumes. The show will be performed from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20h30, and on Sunday afternoons at 15h00. Tickets start from R160 per person and can be booked through the Emperors Palace Box Office on  011 928 1297/1213, or by visiting www.emperorspalace.com or Computicket. Fantastic accommodation, dinner and show packages are available, and Winners Circle members qualify for discount.

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