GRINDROD BANK THEATRE
90 MINS
THURS 1800
FRI 1700
R150

Abnormal Loads was commissioned as part of Neil Coppen’s 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Theatre and is set in a fictional battle-field town nestled in the once war ravaged valleys of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The play is a rich amalgamation of ghost story, love drama, historical epic and dark comedy, where events, both past and present, unfold seamlessly.

Coppen makes his point through a tragicomedy centred on a young coloured man brought up in a white family who boast of their colonial history. He eventually finds himself trapped in it and becomes subject to its consequences, though it is not of his own making. Coppen doesn’t simply juxtapose the past and present, he allows history to run parallel to the present, eventually allowing the two to intersect, at its climax, in such a way that they become indistinguishable from each other.

With a narrative that whisks audiences through two centuries of South African history, Coppen’s production takes an irreverent look at how history is misconstrued and constructed to suit various individual’s needs while offering a funny and touching reflection on the many complexities and contradictions of life in small town South Africa.Written and Designed By Neil Coppen. Directed by Neil Coppen and Jana Ramos Violante and featuring Mothusi Magano, Fortunate Dhlomo Allison Cassels, Jenna Dunster, Ntombikayise Gasa, Nhlakanipho Manqele, Clinton Small, Thomie Holtzhausen, Nosipho Bophela & Julia Wilson.

Lighting design by Tina le Roux. Stage Manager Nosipho Bophela, Sound Design by Tristan Horton. Original score by Gary Thomas. Musicians: Gary Thomas (Guitar, Ebo & Vocals) Guy Buttery (Mabira and Saw) Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby (Violin) & Karen Van Pletsen (female vocals).Heliograph Hill designed and built by Xavier Clarisse. Audio Visuals by Vaughn Sadie. Additional period costuming by Julia Wilson and Neil Stuart-Harris. Military Uniforms courtesy of The Dundee Die Hard re-enactment group.

Presented by Think Theatre & the Catalina Unltd with support from the Playhouse Company and Arts and Culture Trust and in association with the National Arts Festival. The production recently premiered at the National Arts Festival 2011 to wide acclaim.

“One of the most astonishing productions at this year’s Grahamstown Festival. An insightful and nuanced drama set in a small battlefield town steeped in anecdotal history, memories and oral tradition, nestled in the shadow of a mountain.”

Press reaction:

“Astonishing” Illa Thompson, The Mercury

“Captivating and heart-rending theatrical mastery.”Estelle Sinkins, The Witness

“Extraordinary” Caroline Smart, artSMart

“Neil Coppen's accomplished dramatic comedy Abnormal Loads is a must-see.” Niren Tolsi, The Mail & Guardian

“A resounding success.” Latoya Newman, The Tonight

“Breathtaking.” The Crystal Calligrapher“Heartbreaking” Emma Kotze, LitNet

“Innovative and intriguing. A rich theatrical broth.” Brett Adkins, The Herald

“Ground breaking” Gayle Edmunds, City Press.

“Exceptional.” Christina Kennedy, Buisness Day

“A beautifully hewn work.” Sharlene Versfeld, Artslink