Touched

02 Nov 2011 - 06 Nov 2011

Venue: Barney Simon
Duration: 80 minutes
Ages: All Ages

Touched premiered at the 2011 Grahamstown National Arts Festival, where it had a successful season and all three performances were well received. On from the 2 - 6 November 2011 at The Market Theatre, this is one of the best student productions to be produced by the Market Laboratory.
Touched is a play unfolding in two acts. It looks at issues of unconditional love, tradition and modern marriage. Just four years into their marriage, a modern couple faces stumbling blocks. Husband Gift loses his job and becomes a stay-at-home husband, while his wife keeps them afloat financially. There’s a recurring point of contention of Lindiwe wanting children and Gift feeling that the time is not right. In the midst of all this, Gift’s uncle who is very conservative comes in to further complicate the couple’s life. The story of this couple’s ups and downs and their overcoming spirit is told by their neighbour, Zodwa, who also adds a comic flavour to the brew.

In the second half we see a different story told, one that focuses on the choices young people are faced with and the importance of having the wisdom of older people guiding them. The story is told through a relationship of a young couple. We see a young man faced with an array of choices (spend time with his woman or go to the tavern, spend money at the tavern or at home, get a job or live in poverty) but when his ancestors decide to involve themselves, anything is likely to happen….

After seeing this companion piece and its reception at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the Market Theatre is bringing the production to Johannesburg audiences for one week only at a special price of R30.

Reviews of Touched from the National Arts Festival
“The Market Theatre Laboratory stepped up to the plate with a delightful piece Touched” Christina Kennedy
“The teams that collaborated to bring Touched to the stage deserve kudos.” Latoya Newman
“A clever concept, smartly executed” Cue
“The Market Theatre Laboratory’s production Touched successfully tackled complex themes such as gender roles and relationships” Zingi Mkefa