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A Satirical Taxi Ride Through South Africa Set to Debut at the South African State Theatre

Writer: Tsakani Shingange | Artwork: Slovo Mamphaga

The South African State Theatre is set to debut A Street Taxi Named Desiree, a satirical exploration of South African taxi culture, from 7 to 24 November 2024. Directed by Obett Motaung, this high-energy production draws inspiration from Tennessee Williams’ classic A Streetcar Named Desire, delivering a humorous yet poignant commentary on contemporary life in South Africa through the lens of a taxi ride.

What if Jesus returned to modern South Africa and found Himself squeezed into the backseat of a local taxi? This imaginative premise sets the stage for a fast-paced narrative filled with engaging sketches, as three versatile actors portray multiple characters, guiding audiences through the unpredictable world of taxi commutes. With a blend of humour and sharp social commentary, A Street Taxi Named Desiree promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Motaung emphasizes the relevance of the taxi world to everyday South Africans, stating:

 “The taxi world and industry are things that most South Africans interact with on a daily basis in various ways,” he says.

“It’s something the majority of us can relate to, yet this setting has rarely been explored on the theatre stage. I wanted to use something familiar and deeply connected to our everyday lives to explore more profound social issues.”

Motaung highlights the often-overlooked stories of those in the taxi industry.

 “The people within the taxi industry are often on the margins of society—we see them daily, but we ignore them and don’t engage with their stories. I felt it was time to bring their narratives to the forefront and use this setting as a tool to reflect and examine deeper societal dynamics.”

The cast features notable talents, including Sibusiso Mkhize, who recently captivated audiences in 1789 at the National Arts Festival and Joburg Theatre; Lucky Mqoboli, recognized for his performance in Mzansi Magic’s Isithembiso; and Kamo Molatlhoe, the lead star of the popular TV show Ubettina Wethu.

The production also addresses timeless themes of patriarchy and gender roles.

 “While A Streetcar Named Desire is a classic American play, some of its themes—especially around patriarchy—are still very relevant today, particularly within South African taxi culture,” Motaung continues.

“Both worlds might seem different, but what underlies them is similar, especially in how women are viewed and treated. In both the play and taxi culture, patriarchal violence and gender roles affect women deeply.”

The creative team is composed of Nhlanhla Ngqaqu of the band Iphupho L’ka Biko, who handles sound design; Naledi-nominated Hhomohang “Spider” Mothetho for lighting design; Sinenhlanhla Zwane, whose recent work on Katanga at the Market Theatre received critical acclaim for production design; and Jurgen Meekel, known for his collaboration with James Ngcobo, in charge of AV projections.

Originally developed by the UJ Playwright Lab, A Street Taxi Named Desiree comes to life through the support of the State Theatre Incubator Program, an initiative from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture that provides crucial mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging artists.

“Mentorship grounded me in the importance of truth within storytelling,” Motaung reflects.

 “While I use satire and humour, the mentorship reminded me to never lose sight of the groundedness and authenticity of the story. It helped me understand that no matter how exaggerated or humorous the presentation is, it has to be rooted in reality.”

Performance Details:
7 November – 24 November 2024
Venue: Sibusiso Khwinana Theatre, South African State Theatre, Pretoria
Tickets: Available at Webtickets

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