A new production of Stephen Sondheim's iconic musical Into the Woods has opened at Cape Town's Theatre on the Bay, featuring performers from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta). The production, directed by Sylvaine Strike and designed by Marcel Meyer, is a small-scale version of the musical compared to the current West End revival. Despite the limited resources, the cast and crew have managed to create a self-contained theatrical world using a minimalist set and simple costume design.
The cast of Into the Woods comprises numerous Lamta students who have been cast in professional productions before graduating. These performers have demonstrated their ability to hold their own on any stage around the globe. Sondheim's musical, a collaboration with librettist James Lapine, applies a combination of earnest endeavour and neurotic humour to the fairytale world of the Brothers Grimm. The musical premiered in 1987 and offered new manifestations of classic tales such as Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood.
The parent-child relationship is a central theme in Into the Woods, which is replete with abandoned, exploited, abused, or misunderstood daughters and sons. Sondheim's own difficult upbringing informed his interpretation of the tales, with the character's experiences reflecting his own family dynamics. The musical also explores the theme of "I wish …," which is a refrain throughout the show. The woods are a place of fantasy, longing, and transformation, where characters' desires and fears are played out.
Director Sylvaine Strike's previous work has explored the dark impulses motivating human behaviour, and Into the Woods is no exception. The production reveals the complexities of human nature, where individuals can exhibit self-sacrifice and kindness one moment and cruelty and selfishness the next. The set design, which features a composite Cubist face to depict a vengeful giant, reflects the fractured and fracturing nature of human identity.
Despite the dark themes, Into the Woods is also a very funny musical, with music that soars into the sublime. The accomplished performances, sharp choreography, and inventive staging of this production are sure to leave audiences smiling. The show's exploration of human nature, with all its complexities and contradictions, makes for a compelling and engaging theatrical experience.
The production's use of a minimalist set and simple costume design is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the cast and crew. With a dozen flexible planks of wood and minimal costumes, they have managed to create a rich and immersive theatrical world. This production is a vindication of the brilliance of South African creative practitioners working with limited resources to produce world-class theatre.
Into the Woods will run at the Theatre on the Bay until November 14. The musical's exploration of human nature, combined with its witty and heartfelt performances, makes it a must-see for audiences. With its talented cast and creative team, this production is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see it.
Key points
- The production features a talented cast of performers from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy.
- The show explores complex themes such as the parent-child relationship and the nature of human identity.
- The production runs at the Theatre on the Bay until November 14.
