One-Act Play Festival 2025

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ABOUT

The Masque is proud to present the 2025 One-Act Play Festival!

We have another exciting lineup of brand-new work from four local playwrights. Each one has been through our Play Reading Programme and is ready to be brought to life on stage. After each performance, audiences will also have a chance to chat to the writers, directors and actors about the entire process. The post-performance discussion will be hosted by the festival director, Melanie O'Connor Horn.

The schedule:

Thursday 10 April 7:30pm - H(Eg) and Dust

Friday 11 April 7:30pm - The Dropped Baby and Knock Knock

Saturday 12 April 2:30pm - The Dropped Baby and Knock Knock

Saturday 12 April 7:30pm - H(Eg) and Dust

The line up:

1. H(Eg) written by Charlene Colling and directed by Dian Harcovecchio

H(Eg) vertolk die verhaal van Klara, 'n jong en talentvolle danser, probeer haar plek in die wêreld vind terwyl sy bots met haar ouers se verwagtinge. Wanneer 'n tragiese gebeurtenis haar lewe onherroeplik verander, moet sy nie net met haar eie drome en verliese worstel nie, maar ook met die ingewikkelde verhoudings om haar. Terselfdertyd staan haar beste vriendin voor 'n lewensveranderende stryd, wat Klara dwing om moeilike besluite te neem. H(Eg) is 'n aangrypende verhaal oor identiteit, familie en die dun lyn tussen wat ons kry en wat ons werklik nodig het.

H(Eg) centres around Klara, a 19-year-old woman with a passion for dance, who is navigating the challenges of adulthood while dealing with the impending loss of her best friend, Hanri, to cancer. The story unfolds through vignettes of Klara’s life - meeting Hanri for the first time, her strained relationship with her parents, and her loving bond with Maggie, the family’s house-keeper. It’s a story of grief and hope as Klara continues to strive for her dreams.

2. Dust written by Lauren Bates and directed by Sue Wilkes

Dust tells the tale of a young, white Capetonian woman, Megan Storey, newly qualified as an English teacher, beginning her career at an under-resourced school on the Cape Flats. Megan instantly clashes with the head of her department, Clive Adams, who has been at the school for nearly 30 years. Megan encourages her students, particularly a matric student named Jason, to dream of achieving something outstanding. Despite the tragic events that strike the school, the play is a hopeful celebration of both art and reconciliation.

3. The Dropped Baby written by Alex Learmont and directed by Digby Young

Who are you? Who were you in your class photo? Your wedding photo? Are you your memories? Can your memory be trusted? What made you who you are? Full of wry humour, The Dropped Baby tells the surprising but troubled life story of Charlie Niemand, a man who is just this side of the grave.

4. Knock Knock written by Dawn Garisch and directed by Ceridwen Morris

The play is set in a seaside resort. A woman knocks on a man’s door asking for sugar. An intriguing encounter follows - two people in a room, rudderless under a sickle moon. 

"Fear can ruin your life."

"Fear can save your life!"

THINGS TO KNOW:

* You are welcome to take your food and drink into the theatre, but please be sure to return your glass to the bar afterwards.

* Strict admittance policy - no entry after the show start time. Latecomers will be admitted entry at intermission.

* Children are not permitted to sit on laps.

* No flash photography or videography is allowed.

* The Masque Theatre provides secure parking at our designated parking lot, conveniently located just 50 meters past the theatre. Please note that our parking lot closes 30 minutes after the end of the show.

* Outside food and drink are not permitted in the theatre; we kindly invite you to enjoy the refreshments available for purchase inside.

* Tickets purchased are not transferable or refundable.

* Disabled Parking is available on request, please e-mail admin@themasque.co.za

Thank you!

DIRECTIONS