Cape Town's theatre scene is about to get a provocative shake-up with the arrival of La Ronde at the Baxter Studio. This isn't your typical night out at the theatre it's a raw, unflinching examination of human sexuality, power, and the eternal quest for genuine connection in our image-obsessed world.
Originally created in 1897, La Ronde was so controversial it was banned upon its initial release. Now, under the visionary direction of Leila Henriques, this timeless exploration of sexual politics has been transplanted to the vibrant club scene of modern Cape Town, making it more relevant than ever.
The production follows ten characters through their
interwoven intimate encounters, creating what actress Awethu Hleli,
describes as "a mirror to our modern romantic landscape where the
lines between performance and authenticity blur."
What makes this adaptation particularly compelling is how it
examines power dynamics. As Awethu explains, "It's quite interesting
looking at this text today because it was written in the eighteen hundred, and
today women have gotten so much liberation sexually."
The play doesn't shy away from complex power structures,
featuring encounters between:
A house maiden and her boss
A sex worker and a soldier
Characters from vastly different social backgrounds
Each relationship explores how power shifts based on gender, class, and circumstances, creating what Awethu calls "psychological power play and mental foreplay."
One of the most innovative aspects of this production is how
music becomes a character itself. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town's
contemporary club scene, the soundtrack adds layers of "sexiness, edgy,
funny, ugly" emotions that guide the audience through each encounter.
"Each scene and each sexual encounter has its own sound
to describe what kind of sexual encounters these couples are having,"
Awethu reveals. The music from pulsing bass lines to sultry saxophone doesn’t
just accompany the action; it reveals the emotional truth behind every moment
of intimacy.
This isn't a production that will let you sit comfortably in your seat. The creative team has deliberately crafted an experience that challenges audiences to confront their own relationships with desire, power, and authenticity.
"The thing is, it's meant to make people
uncomfortable," Awethu states boldly. "We're not trying to shy away
from the awkwardness or ugliness of it. That's what theatre is, we're meant to
make people uncomfortable and disturb them so that they are left with
something."
In an era of dating apps, social media performances, and
digital communication, La Ronde asks crucial questions about how technology has
changed intimate relationships. The production grapples with whether our
connections are becoming more superficial or if we're simply finding new ways
to seek that fundamental human need: to be seen and acknowledged by another
person.
As Awethu puts it: "We're talking about the desire to
be seen by the other person, but also now there's in desiring that, there's
also self-worth. Am I enough? And I think most people can really relate to
that."
What's particularly striking about this production is how it
creates space for conversations that many find difficult to have. The creative
team has worked hard to ensure that female characters are empowered rather than
objectified, and that the LGBTQ+ community is represented with boldness and
bravery.
"We've approached this in a way that really empowers
female sexuality," Awethu explains. "It's so fun for us now today to
explore that empowerment as a black female."
Despite its mature themes, or perhaps because of them, La Ronde is positioned as essential viewing for understanding modern relationships and sexuality. The production team believes we're living in a time when these conversations can no longer be avoided.
"I don't think in 2025 that's the conversation people
are shying away from. I think we're a very bold generation right now,"
Awethu notes. "Our learners are active from the age of 10 already, so
there's no way we can shy away from these uncomfortable conversations
anymore."
For Awethu, a young Black female artist, this production
represents more than entertainment it's about using art to address contemporary
gender issues and challenge audiences to think differently about relationships
and sexuality.
"I'm very grateful that as an artist, I'm a Black
female in the art industry. That space for me allows me to have these
conversations," she reflects. "Our young directors also need to start
challenging themselves with work that speaks to these controversial
subjects."
La Ronde runs at
the Baxter Studio:
When: June 20 - July 12, 2025
Where: Baxter Studio, Cape Town
Show Times:
Evening performances: 8:00 PM
Saturday matinees: 3:00 PM
Age Restriction: 16+
Ticket Price: R180 (approximate)
Booking:
Online: Webtickets
In-person: Pick & Pay stores
Block bookings (10+): Contact Mark Dobson via Baxter website:
www.thebaxter.xyz
La Ronde promises to be more than just a night at the theatre
it's a confrontation with our deepest desires and most desperate searches for
connection. Whether you're drawn by psychological insight, stellar
performances, or simply the thrill of seeing something genuinely challenging on
stage, this production offers an experience that will linger long after the
final encounter. In a world where authenticity often feels performative and
intimacy can feel like currency, La Ronde dares to ask the questions we're all
thinking but rarely voice: What do we really want from each other? And are we
brave enough to be honest about it?
Presenter: Jasnine Roberts
Producer: Lydia M
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