Discover The Stranger: Brett Bailey's theatrical adaptation of the Orpheus Myth

Theatre director Brett Bailey from Tokai will present his adaptation of the Orpheus myth, The Stranger, at Theatre Arts later on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28.

The classic Orpheus myth tells the story of a musician whosemusic reveals the inner harmony of the universe and expands the consciousness of all who hear it.

After the death of his bride, Orpheus journeys to the Underworld, attempting to bring her back.

Mr Bailey, who also wrote the production, said The Stranger is set loosely within a local context affected by xenophobia. He describes it as an immersive and haunting meditation on the transformative power of the arts and the fragile interconnectedness of all life.

The production stars composer and artist Nkosenathi Koela from Claremont, originally from Khayelitsha.

Mr Koela has composed a moving score for three musicians. Mr Bailey praised his work, saying that hearing Mr Koela’s sound evokes ancient stories of pain, loss, love, and hope, and will take audiences on a journey into both the imagined and reimagined.

Mr Koela said he has enjoyed portraying the role, describing the deep exploration of local sounds and performing on rarely played instruments as both a gift and a profound experience.

Mr Bailey added that he has never before staged a production at Theatre Arts and expressed his excitement about presenting the work to a local audience.

The Stranger will be performed at the Methodist Church Hall in Observatory at 7pm and 8.30pm. Bookings can be made online through Theatre Arts.

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