Phresh, phascinating physical theatre comes to Grahamstown!

From esteemed young Director, Pieter Bosch Botha, comes a truly inspiring story about friendship, love and loss.

“HATS”, which has received outstanding critical acclaim and media attention, was conceived by Bosch Botha with the aid of an outstanding creative team consisting of Avril Cummins as Assistant Director, Richard Antrobus as Assistant Choreographer and all Artworks were created by Johan Botha. Acclaimed performer Richard Antrobus and the very talented Tristan Jacobs will be portraying best friends “Buddy” and “Pal” for the 2010 run of HATS.

“Two mates, two swings, one park. Buddy, a mime artist and Pal, a fine artist, along with the hats that changed their lives, share an intriguing story of a friendship so powerful that it speaks without words...” The entire show is performed without dialogue and makes use of evocative movement, comical mime, sensational music, dazzling special effects and impressive stunts. It’s a visual feast for the eyes and this tale shines in it’s beautiful simplicity.

Here's what the critics had to say:

"It's non-stop energy, non-stop vivacity...Technically, well - sophisticated, polished, precise; all those words spring to mind. Every move, every expression, every gesture counts and so it should, as this is physical (very physical) theatre at its best." - Jennifer de Klerk, Artslink.co.za, 23/03/2010

"There is a magic to this play, with a lot of clowning about, fantastic movement and acrobatics which charm the audience both visually and emotionally. This story, so simple, yet so profound, reaches beyond the action on stage into your own friendships." - Annette Bayne, The Citizen, 18/03/2010

"The actors held my heart in their hands for the duration of this delightful physical theatre piece. The message is both timeless and universal. I was caught up in the rapid pace of the simple story and when it was over I was profoundly touched by the heartfelt tribute of one friend to another." - Moira de Swardt, Artslink, 23/03/2010

Pieter Bosch Botha (Director) started as an actor performing in numerous productions, including hits like "Dames & Here" directed by Lizz Meiring and most recently the critically acclaimed “SPOOF Full of Sugar”, directed by Malcolm Terrey. His television adventures include a guest role in the SABC 2 sitcom "Askies!", as well as in “Backstage”. In 2008 and 2009 Pieter portrayed the controversial role of Lammetjie Koekemoer on Kyknet’s daily soap "Villa Rosa". Pieter has Directed numerous stage productions and has received much acclaim and rave reviews for his plays, such as "James and the Giant Peach", "Madiba Magic", "Danny the Champion of the World", “The Witches”, "Little Blue Dress", the smash-hit farce “Noises Off!”, and most recently his physical theatre show “HATS”.

Richard Antrobus (Stilted, Inner Peace), who will be playing 'Buddy', received critical acclaim, sold-out performances and standing ovations for his tall-walking performance in the self-written “STILTED”, which was Directed by Andrew Buckland. This production made waves at the National Arts Festival in 2009, and will be returning to the 2010 National Arts Festival and the Festival of Fame. Richard has also worked extensively with the First Physical Theatre Company as a part-time company member, and in 2009 he founded the vibrant all-male stilt-walking entertainment troupe "The Phezulu Project" which has just returned from a successful national tour. Richard completed his MA Drama in Contemporary Performance at Rhodes University in 2009.

Tristan Jacobs (Die Bannelinge, In the Blue Beaker), who will be playing 'Pal', was seen in the dark-comedy “In the Blue Beaker” at the National Arts Festival in 2009. He has worked with acclaimed writer/director Anton Krueger and will also be joining Richard as his acting partner in “STILTED” this year, as well as performing in his self-written physical theatre piece "Dedicado". Tristan graduated from Rhodes University with his Honours in Drama in 2009. He is a vibrant young performer who promises to enthral audiences with his amazing talents.

HATS will be at the National Arts Festival from 20 June - 4th July 2010.

VENUE: PJ's.

Dates & Times: 22 June 18:30; 24 June 19:30; 28 June 21:00; 29 June 15:30 & 20:30; 1 July 12:30; 2 July 22:00; 3 July 12:30 & 17:30; 4 July 17:30          

Tickets:  R45 - Friends: R40 - Students: R35 - Block: R40 - First Performance discount: R30

BOOKINGS for "Hats" are open at COMPUTICKET www.computicket.com, as well as at the Door on the days of performances.