Red Peter, an Ape who was shot, captured and scientifically tamed to mimic a human in action and speech, presents his story to members of the Academy.
A State of the Ape Address!
Red Peter loses the memory of what being an Ape feels like. To fit in and find a way out, he adapts to handshaking, smoking, spitting, scrolling, performing and drinking as such appears to be the pinnacle of "what makes up a man".
This is fable about the human race...
Taddja’s embodiment of an Ape would bring Kafka to tears. Perfectly positioned props made for a seamless play. Adam—UWC Arusha (Tanzania)
SOTAA managed to take us into the world of Apes and thoughts about what bothers their peace … It hurts to realize our ignorance and vandalism as humans. Hamilton Dhlamini (South Africa)
Kafka’s Ape was an immersion in the “ape’s” world which drew me in from the very first moments. An intense and varied theatre experience! Kristen Cuisiner (Belgium)
I was captivated by the actor Tadjja's remarkable portrayal of the humanization of an ape, the visualization of the underlying question of the changeability of identities. It was a thought-provoking evening, not without fun! Rolf Drescher (German)
Our students were blown away by the intimacy and raw power of the production itself, battered by the sound, lighting, and visceral engagement with the lead actor. Richard Braithwaite (USA)
Author Franz Kafka explored the human struggle for understanding and security in his writings. He grew up in an upper middle-class Jewish family. After studying law at the University of Prague, he worked in insurance and wrote in the evenings. In 1923, he moved to Berlin to focus on writing, but died of tuberculosis shortly after. His friend Max Brod published most of his work posthumously, such as Amerika, The Castle, Metamorphosis, The Hunger Artist, The Trial and also his Diaries and letters. Incredibly, at the time of his death, Kafka's name was known only to a small group of readers. It was only after his death that Kafka and his work gained fame.
His books garnered favor during World War II especially, and greatly influenced German literature. In an attempt to overcome his tuberculosis, Kafka traveled to Vienna for treatment at a sanatorium. He died in Kierling, Austria, on the 3rd June 1924 and he was buried beside his parents in Prague's New Jewish Cemetery in Olsanske.
Today, Franz Kafka is among the world’s most celebrated authors with a museum, libraries and different institutions in his legacy.
Stanley Mambo is an internationally renowned Actor, Director, Creative entrepreneur and founder of Mwezi Arts. He graduated in theatre arts at Amakhosi Theatre Academy following varied training, acting and directing contracts with Gorgon Theatre (Sweden), Theatre Talipot (Réunion Island/ France), Stadttheatre Konstanz (German), Bilimankhwe THEATRE (England), Rooftop Promotion (Zimbabwe), Studio 263 (Zimbabwe), VOA—Kulondoloza (Malawi) and PSI (Malawi), allowing him to experience unique techniques and approaches in theatre and TV.
Stanley's quest and reputation for directing and writing grows with each opportunity or production following a reputable credit with recent productions for Madsoc Theatre Seasons and European Union PFM Project—KULONDOLOZA under VOA, and 2 film projects Shades and Minutes underway for production in 2024/5. His work presents a physical fusion as he explores the essence of creating movement connected to the emotion & psychological existence of each character narrative and essence of the sub story. State of the Ape Address is another depth in Stanley's journey seeking a more expressive approach to theatre, the art of storytelling.
Taddja Nkonjera is a Malawian theatre professional with writing, acting and directing credits in local and international productions. Taddja is the founder of Dikamawoko Arts, an inclusive, multi-disciplined arts centre working in skills development and professional training of talented young Malawians in Theatre, Film, Music, Traditional Dance and Creative Writing. He serves as Chairman of the Education and Capacity Building Committee of the National Theatre Association of Malawi and, following his passion for theatre for children and young audiences, he is also Operations Manager of Assitej Malawi.
Taddja is the founder of Theatre in Mandala, a platform to showcase new and original plays from young, up and coming theatre ensembles, and served as the Curator in the first year of its inception. Taddja is also a published author, folklorist, musician, screenwriter and film director.
Hazel Musochera is a Producer, Costume designer, Arts Administrator, Set Designer and co-founder of Mwezi Arts. Creative sustainability is her objective as she continuously seeks to produce viable valuable artistic projects or productions for Madsoc theatre and Mwezi Arts.
Hazel holds a BA in Business Administration and She has received training in Costume design and makeup from NTO (National Theatre Organisation - Zimbabwe) and learnt from working as assistant and apprentice to renowned Costume Designers as Francoise Grand (France), Pascale Martin (Austria/ Germany) and Bozena Szlachta (Germany) allowing her to diversify her creative territory.
Hazel's Producer profile dates back to 2000 and she continues with her immense initiatives within the creative industry. Her role is key to Mwezi Arts and for Madsoc Theatre, which she heads as Administrative and Finance Director. Her creative passion is Costume and Set design with vast credits in theatre and TV productions.
Kamogelo Raphadu is a Stage/Set Designer, Stage Manager, Actor, Writer and currently a Production Manager and Stage Manager at the internationally acclaimed TX Theatre in Johannesburg. He was appointed as visiting stage management Masterclass conductor at the Festivalo Internacional Teatro de Inverno (FITI) in Maputo Mozambique as well as Stage Manager for Theatre on the Square in Sandton City.
He was awarded a Naledi for Best Production.