Aesop’s Fables

Overview

After performing to sell-out audiences during the opening season of the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, Isango Portobello returned to the stage of their Cape Town home with Aesop’s Fables, written by Peter Terson, adapted and directed by Mark Dornford-May, a magical new whole-family musical theatre delight.

In this charming tale, Aesop, an enslaved Greek, learns that liberty comes with responsibility as he journeys to his freedom, joined by the animal characters of his parable-like fables. The Tortoise and the Hare; the Lion and the Goat; the Stork and the Wolf; and others are brought to hilarious life through the musical score, adapted for Isango Portobello by Mandisi Dyantyis and Pauline Malefane.

Details

First performance
4 June 2010

Final performance
10 July 2010

Venue
Main Theatre

Original Cast

Escallywags
Simphiwe Mayeki

Aesop
Mhlekazi Andy Mosiea

Oracle
Thozamo Mdliva

Oracle
Asanda Ndlwana

Oracle
Portia Shwana

Hermes
Zolina Ngejane

Ants
Zoleka Mpotsha
Bongiwe Mapassa
Tembisa Mlanjeni
Noluthando Domza Sishuba

Tortoise
Noluthando Boqwana

Frog
Luvo Rasemeni
Bulelani Madondile
Sifundo Soji
Malungisa Balintulo
Sonwabo Ntshata

Cock
Thamsanqa Ntoninji

Goat
Lizo Lesly Tshaka

Snail
Noluthando Sigonya
Unathi Habe

Hare
Poseletso Sejosingoe

Dove
Nobulumko Mngxekeza

Deer
Luthando Mthi

Mama Stork
Noluthando Mili

Wolf
Mlungiseleli Nqadini

Swift
Zanele Mbatha

Ass
Zamile Gantana

Hen
Lungelwa Mdekazi

Woodpecker
Mandisi Dyantyis

Woodpecker
Pauline Malefane

Woodpecker
Xolani Momo

Creative team

Written by
Peter Terson

Adapted and Directed
by Music Directors
Mark Dornford-May
Pauline Malefane
Mandisi Dyantyis

Choreographer and Assistant Director
Lungelo Ngamlana

Designer
Leopold Senekal

Co-Designer
Aja Marneweck

Lighting Designer
Mannie Manim

Voice Coach and Text Interpretation
Lesley Nott Manim

Production Manager
Wesley France

Stage Manager
Zoleka Chithutywala

Assistant Stage Managers
Queen Jacob
Patience Jakavu
Valencia Mgugunyeka

Costume Co-ordinator
Mareleen Smit

Wardrobe Mistress
Shauner Moletsane

Wardrobe Assistant
Malusi Malefane

Costume Makers
Elrina Marais
Anel Joubert
Vionne Schmidt
Kaylee Abrahamse

Costume Buyer
Catherine Channing

Lighting Operator
Clynton Sibusiso Hlubi

Stage Technician
Sandile Mgugunyeka

Electrician
Moegamat Cloete

Lighting Programmer
Peter Samuelsson

Props Assistants
Marsi van de Heuvel
Jade Waller

Set Construction
Good Call Production Design House
Fred Wall at Abelia Metal Graffiti

Artwork by Shelflife Graffiti Artists
Falko,Toe, Seth and Unik

Production photos