Absurdist, satirical thriller Becky to take you on a roller coaster at the Market Theatre
By CityLife Arts Writer
“Becky, please turn off the lights” runs from the 31st of March – 3rd April 2022 at the Market Theatre Laboratory, Ramolao Makhene Theatre.
Brought to you by Robaby and POPArt productions, Becky, is an absurdist, satirical roller-coaster exploring the world’s current social and environmental conditions through the eyes of three #bestfriends. Set against the backdrop of a lavish club complex and a #fun bachelorette, our three best friends let loose, celebrating to true love, friendship and #beingblessed. As things get #lit, the evening slowly starts to unravel descending into a harrowing horror show as disaster eventually strikes, #soz not #lol. Using their bank cards and privilege, our three friends avoid the carnage and death while taking cute selfies as things fall apart around them. Will their tight-knit friendship survive what the evening has in store for them? Or will inevitable doom and destruction separate them forever?
Becky, which was first performed in 2019 at the POPArt Theatre in Maboneng, was created in response to the rapidly declining state of the natural environment – how do we respond to a looming ecological collapse? Do we try do something about it, or do we close our eyes and pretend nothing is happening? The piece, which flirts the themes of privilege, inequality and the climate apartheid, has become more relevant in 2022, with these themes being heightened in our (post)pandemic environment. Becky provocatively pokes fun at the population’s response to disaster – particularly the privileged – and explores how wealth and status allow people to temporarily avoid an imminent apocalypse.
The second season of Becky was made possible by funding received from the National Arts Council.Robaby Productions (The Last Show; Father, Father. Father! KidCasino!) has also teamed up with POPArt Theatre’s YES FOR YOUTH internship in order to create learning opportunities for young aspiring creatives.
Becky “is a hedonistic explosion of lights, terror, spandex and champagne! “, according to the producers.
Creative Team:
Directed by Roberto Pombo.
Performed and Created by: Lisa Derryn Overy, Hayleigh Evans and Denel Honeyball
Assistant Director: Dintshitile Mashile
Stage Manager/Assistant: Tshepo Matlala
Sound Design: Roberto Pombo
Set and Costume Design: Toni Morkel and Roberto Pombo