THE new season of The Fugard Bioscope World Arts Cinema began this week with a screening of All About Eve. The play is based on the 1950 film, and was performed on stage at the Noël Coward theatre in the West End. Gillian Anderson starred as Margo, a fading actress, opposite Lily James as Eve, who eclipses her.
It was a staging that combined film with the techniques of highly dramatic live acting, which had an interesting result while watching it on a screen. With these cinematic versions of theatre, dance and opera, it can take a moment to get your head around the concept. Once you’ve relaxed into it you can allow yourself to be transported into another world, one which opens up a host of exceptional shows most of us wouldn’t get to see any other way.
The 2020 Bioscope season is the ninth to be presented by Eric Abraham and Ken Forrester Vineyards, and features a record 48 titles; companies include the National Theatre, Comedies Francaise, The Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet as well as Royal Opera and Opera du Paris. Screenings are on a full size high definition cinema screen with a 7.1 dolby digital surround sound system, on Mondays at 3pm and 7pm. Pizzas, snacks and beverages are available in the foyer.
I even enjoyed the Ken Forrester promo clip ahead of the film. He’s such an all-round cool guy and completely relaxed, fun and informal in front of the camera.
“We are excited to be celebrating our ninth year and most extensive programme yet by welcoming our partner Ken Forrester Vineyards for the 2020 Season,” says Greg Karvellas, artistic director of The Fugard. “With the new timeslots, there are different options to see these world-class productions, and we are delighted to be including presentations from companies we have not screened before.”
From The Bolshoi Ballet
Each week brings a different performance and I’m excited to be already booked in for Fleabag on November 18. I loved the small screen BBC series which won writer and actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge a bunch of Emmys last month, so I’m keen to see the one-woman show which spawned it. If you haven’t heard about it, “Fleabag is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.”
Tickets are R120 and can be booked directly through the box office on 021 461 4554 or online. There is a 20% discount for Friends of the Fugard, a 15% discount for pensioners and a 10% discount for scholars. These discounted tickets are available through the box office.
For the full season line up, click here.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Importance Of Being Earnest, October 28 at 3pm and 7pm. From Classic Spring Theatre Company
