Productions
Dates
26th - 29th November 2025
Places performed
MAGNET THEATRE presents a South African adaptation of George Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM
Magnet Theatre’s Fulltime Training and Job Creation Programme 2025/2026 1st year Production, ANIMAL FARM, premieres for a limited season from 26 – 29 November 2025.
Magnet Theatre is thrilled to present  ANIMAL FARM,  a contemporary South African version of George Orwell’s ageless novel. Adapted and directed by two-time Fleur du Cap Award winner, Morapeleng Molekoa, this production features the 7th cohort of Magnet Theatre’s Full-Time Training and Job Creation Programme 2025/2026.
In this production, George Orwell’s original story and characters remain unchanged: a group of animals overthrow their human farmer, hoping to create a fair and equal society for all animals. What begins as a hopeful revolution soon unravels into a mirror of how greed and power can corrupt noble causes, and revolutions can repeat the oppressions they seek to end.
Under Morapeleng Molekoa’s direction,  Orwell’s powerful allegory is adapted to present-day South Africa, providing audiences young and old with an opportunity to meditate on the tribulations and enduring hope of life in post-Apartheid South Africa. Written in 1945, originally a satirical story about the Russian revolution, Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM  explores timeless themes of the corrupting nature of power and the manipulation of truth. Through a blend of text, movement, and song, Molekoa’s adaption explores the transformation of hope into oppression, as truth becomes propaganda and equality is rewritten to justify exploitation. It is an invitation to think deeply about the nature of power and our own political and historical landscape.
This production rounds off the first year of Magnet’s 2-year training programme.  Reflecting Magnet Theatre’s signature style of invigorating physical performance, ANIMAL FARM provides the opportunity to the 20 young trainee performers to showcase their new physical and vocal skills and celebrate their powerful burgeoning talent. Original music and songs created by the cast under the instruction of Lungiswa Plaatjie and Karabo Hope Banda contribute, along with astounding physical transformations under the movement direction of Jennie Reznek, to making this a compelling heightened theatrical experience.
This ANIMAL FARM with its deeply resonant themes promises to echo and agitate in the audience’s imaginations long after curtain call. Â
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Magnet Theatre’s ANIMAL FARM
From the original story by George Orwell
Director: Morapeleng Molekoa
Adapted by: Morapeleng Molekoa
Performers: Akho Zuzani, Anga Gola, Asiphumeze Stuurman, Aviwe Nose, Ayabonga Yantolo, Aziyena Yamile, Busiswa Mpotye, Inganam Soxuza, Kananelo Lesekele, Kwakhanya Mboniswa, Lithetha Dywili, Liyema Velebayi, Nolwazi Mbutho, Olwethu Thwetsha, Onako Poswayo, Shannon Roode, Simphiwe Sefali, Someleze Madophe, Yolanda Mndayi and Zimfefe Lamani
Singing: Lungiswa Plaatjies and Karabo Hope Banda
Set and Costume Design: Puleng Stewart
Movement Director: Jennie Reznek
Lighting design: Themba Stewart
ANIMAL FARM will be performed from 26 – 29 November 2025 at Magnet Theatre: Cnr Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads in Observatory.
Performance dates and times:
Wednesday 26th November Low Price Preview @ 19h00
Thursday 27th November Opening @ 19h00 (by invitation only)
Friday 28th November @ 19h00
Saturday matinee 29th November @ 14h00
Saturday 29th November @ 19h00
Ticket Prices:
R70 for general admission
R50 for scholars, students, pensioners, block bookings (10 or more)
R40 for Low Price Preview/Early Bird Special (running till 17 November)
Bookings for the shows can be made on Webtickets and booking for school groups by contacting Magnet Theatre at projects@magnettheatre.co.za /office: 021Â 448 3436
