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Countries go through times of turmoil when in transition from one state of governing to a new order, with both immense and individual struggles. But what happens when the future you meet is not the one that you were expecting? Cadre is one such South African story of dreams and change.

Following last year’s hit Mies Julie, The Cultch presents Cadre, another mesmerizing South African production.
 
Cadre was inspired by true events in the life of an activist during – and after – the Apartheid era. It explores the life of a former soldier in the Azanian People’s Liberation Army who struggles with feelings of disappointment and betrayal in his quest for democracy. Moving in time between Apartheid and post-Apartheid periods in South Africa’s turbulent past, Cadre is a story of honouring families, friends, and all the unsung heroes who died hoping for a better future.

[Omphile Molusi, Lillian Tshabalala]

Omphile Molusi is one of South Africa’s most prolific young playwrights and acclaimed actors. His 2008 play, Itsoseng, was the winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award; the show subsequently toured worldwide. Molusi was also the first recipient of the Royal Shakespeare Company/Baxter Theatre Brett Goldin Bursary Award, earning the young playwright a life-changing scholarship to study with the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon.
 
“When we demolished the apartheid system, we thought that the fight was over, we can all accept each other now, we are a part of a diverse community. For the most part, we all get along,” says Molusi. “But what we should realize is that if we are too careless — through corruption, lack of service delivery, arrogance, or negligence — we might lose this dreamland. It is important to remind ourselves of why we fought for freedom so that we avoid history repeating itself.”

“It teaches us to take care of the present so that we don’t go back. We can have a better world in the future” — The Sowetan (South Africa)

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and The Cultch presents Cadre

Dates: February 24 to March 8: Feb. 24 to 28, March 3 to 7: 8 pm; Feb. 28, March 1, 7, 8, 2 pm
Venue: Historic Theatre at The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $19; available online or via phoning 604.251.1363
Enjoy a lively post-show Q&A session with the artists on February 25, March 1, 4

About The Cultch

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this season, The Cultch has been one of Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts and cultural institutions, offering dynamic programming in contemporary theatre, dance, and music by local, national, and international artists. Today, The Cultch continues to enrich the social and cultural life of Vancouver by bringing world-class cultural presentations to the public, supporting the growth of emerging artists and companies, and facilitating dialogue between groups in the Lower Mainland, especially within East Vancouver.

Photos by Ruphin Coudyzer.