Magnet Theatre’s Climate Change Project, SURGE, was directed by Roshina Ratnam and designed by Hansie Visagie and performed at Magnet Theatre first in 2022 with the Magnet Theatre youth company. Subsequently it ran the Baxter Theatre in 2023 and was nominated in 2024 for Best Children’s production. It is aimed at high school learners and young adults.
Under the watchful eye and guidance of the award-winning Ratnam, the cast comprises Azola Mkhabile, Buhle Stefane, Kuhle Myathaza, Lindokuhle Melaphi, Mihlali Bele, Molupi Lepeli, Nosiphiwo Ndabeni, Siphenathi Siqwayi, Sipho Kalako, Thabo Mkenene and Wendy Mrali, who are all graduates of Magnet Theatre’s Two-year Fulltime Training and Job Creation Programme.
With SURGE they bring to life a delightfully provocative world that looks at the role that young people can play in initiating conversations and imagining alternative futures in relation to the scarcity of resources. Using puppetry to create a world of wonder and intrigue, it follows the story of two characters, their different relationship with the natural world and climate events – and what is ultimately, important.
Die Burger described it as ‘a little work of wonder’ and Theatre Scene Cape Town said, ‘It’s an emotionally immersive experience as the compelling production of SURGE draws you in to the trials and tribulations experienced by their charismatic characters in the context of climate change … Congratulations all round to the creative team and the performers. SURGE was a joy to behold.’
