WINDHOEK
DUE to public demand and the ongoing educational outreach theatre programme of the Committed Artists of Namibia to continuously produce and stage world class plays, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will once again be staging this month at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on the 21st and 22nd.
The two performances that are poised to take the stage by storm are being staged as a co-production between CAN and The National Theater of Namibia (NTN) in efforts to help develop Namibian theater on a broader level. The staging of this world classic play coincides with the annual Mental Awareness Month of the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ for the whole of this month, climaxing tonight with events at the University of Namibia (Unam) and elsewhere in the capital and country wide. The same ministry has been an equipment sponsor for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
CAN is also planning to export the American play to the Grahams Town Festival next year as part of its efforts to entertain Southern African audiences with selected plays from all six continents in the world. This programme of classic world plays started in 2013 with a production of Waiting for Godot by Irish playwright, Samuel Beckett, and Agnes of God by American dramaturg, John Pielmeier, this year. The outrageously funny and analytical play by American playwright Dale Wasserman is directed by Namibian award-winning dramaturg, Frederick B. Philander, who also confidently and convincingly portrays the role of a Columbian Indian Chief. Philander has also adapted the play from a five-hour stage work to a ninety minute drama for the benefit of Namibian audiences.
The drama had been staged to rave reviews and media acclaim dubbed “A consummate” and “A captivating play” by The Namibian and Windhoek Observer in August. These two performances are aimed at involving a greater percentage of the populace outside the western suburbs. The play, dealing with the trials and tribulations of male mental patients in an asylum, boasts the talents of a number of newcomers to the CAN acting fraternity such as David Campbell in the lead role of Randle McMurphy; Brumelda English tripling up as nurse Flynn, doctor Spivey and Candy; Adriano Visagie doubling up as hospital orderly Williams and patient Martini; Enthony Titus as patient Harding; Wayne Beukes as patient Cheswick and Peter Peter in the role of orderly Warren. Veteran CAN-actress, Lynne Jacobs portrays the lead role of Nurse Ratched.
The theatre company urges and encourages any local charity organisations interested to contact it should they be interested in purchasing reduced price tickets for their members to see this once in a life time stage performance for local audiences. Sponsors for these performances are: Greg’s Motor Spares, Lida’s Cleaning Services, Khomasdal Motor Spares, Khomasdal Service Station and NTN.
Bookings for theater tickets at N$120 per person for the two performances of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest can now be made at Computicket and the NTN box-office by phoning 061-374400