PAPER AND ROSES. Script: Kimberly Buckle. Direction: Bianca Rassmussen. Choreography: Nkosinathi Mazwai. Lead Cast: Saskia Bormans, Thulani Nzonzo, Azande Dube, Rendani Mufamadi. Ensemble: Claudia House, Lee Miller, Jayden Ockhuis, Lathi Mgwebu, Tara Singh, Kate Wallace. The Outlore Base.
MEGAN CHORITZ reviews
In a skinny building in Hout Street, Cape Town, on the second floor, in a weird white warehouse called The Outlore Base, true independent theatre magic is happening.
Paper and Roses is called an immersive musical. It is also speculative fiction with an edge of fantasy and a huge dose of revolution. The ruling class, called the Mints and the underclass, the Torn. The time – the late 1980s into 1990s. Unrest is brewing and a revolution is being plotted. I was totally swept up.
This is the only kind of theatre that makes sense to me right now. It is totally relevant. It speaks truth to power, it is made by young people and watched by young people, who are passionate, articulate and full of the fire that is needed if we are to change the world we live in.
An insanely talented cast of actors who are singers, and dancers are led by script writer Kimberly Buckle, director Bianca Rassmussen, and choreographer Nkosinathi Mazwai. And every single performer is magnetic, riveting and so filled with commitment.
Original, spirited, relevant
The cast crawls, runs and appears all over the space. Paper and roses are symbols, graffiti, props and set, and the dim lights are enhanced by torches. And then there is the singing. Popular songs are given new words, and they become anthemic and powerful, especially since the leads have incredible voices. And then there is the dancing. Mind blowing.
I have been unable to get myself to mainstream theatre. What I need is this original, spirited, entirely independent, deeply meaningful and relevant work. My activist spirit was lifted. Amandla, Awethu! Long live the spirit of revolution long live! A luta continua!
What: Paper and Roses
Where and when: The Outlore Base until 31 January 2026
Tickets: Quicket
WS
