Kalk Bay Theatre Opens SWOOP Tonight, Sept 28

There's enchanting entertainment for all the family this school holiday with Swoop at Kalk Bay Theatre from tonight, 28 September to 7 October. Swoop tells the story of a young boy who embarks on an amazing adventure, discovering how the world around us is part of an expertly designed eco-system, and how we as human beings are connected to it, and to each other.

Presented by some of Cape Town's leading creative talent, and told using a highly crafted blend of puppetry, audio-visual, live music and a beautiful narrative, Swoop aims to remind us where we belong, and how we fit in. It is a story of hope, courage and the sensible side of human nature.

Meet Sam. You know someone like him already - a 12-year-old boy who likes cars and gadgets, and dreams of being a soccer star. Sam has such a vivid imagination that he often gets lost between his real and fantasy worlds. But he has nobody to share it with. He can't speak to his mom, because she's too busy to hear him. He can't speak to his friends, because he doesn't have any. All he has is his world, where he is the king….. and, of course, his soccer ball.

That is, until he meets Jabu. While Sam has been dreaming about getting an Xbox and seeing Man United play live, he never bargained he would be about to embark on the most incredible journey of his life. With the help of a really remarkable bird, Sam discovers that, with a little bit of perseverance, a dash of determination and a whole lot of courage, he can overcome the greatest obstacles – and reach his dreams.

"Swoop is an enchanting tale for young and old alike, using an imaginative range of theatre tools to tell a beautiful story about how we interact with each other, and the world around us," says director Pieter Bosch Botha.

Produced by the Imbewu Trust, and devised by the director and The Cast, Swoop features rising young performers Iman Isaacs, Harrison Makubalo, Shaun Acker and Shaun Gabriel Smith under the direction of acclaimed director Pieter Bosch Botha, who also did the lighting design.

Based on an original story by Hilda Cronje, the dramaturg is Karen Jeynes, set design is by Maike Hitzeroth and the shadow puppets are designed by Julia Anastopolous. The puppets are also designed and manufactured by The Space Behind the Couch (Beren Belknap, Merryn Carver and Jzadir Du Plessis).

Swoop is suitable for all ages, but most suitable for 6 – 16 year olds. It will be performed daily at 11am from 28 September to 7 October and at 8pm on Monday 1 October. Tickets cost R60 and can be booked on www.kbt.co.za.

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