The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop presents ‘Laaitie Mettie Biscuits’ from 24 – 28 September at Aardklop then 2 – 27 October at The Market Theatre.

Set to premiere from 2 – 27 October 2024 at the Market Theatre this gripping story by Davids recounts the story of Noah – a teenage boy who is mentally challenged and dreams of becoming a policeman, and of looking after his mother and his community.

Thematically, Laaitie Mettie Biscuits offers a critical assessment of how societies treat people living with disabilities, while honestly interrogating policing ethics, injustices, community safety and human rights. Moreover, it confronts what and who societies consider normal, fearlessly exposing our bias against those who don’t look like us.

Speaking as both the writer and director of the work, Davids shares, “The question we must answer is: What and who is normal? Is Noah abnormal in a normal community? Or is Noah normal in an abnormal community…?”

The brilliant cast includes Wayne van Rooyen, Stephanie Baartman, Carla Classen and Joshwin Dyson. The creative team alongside Davids is completed by Jade Bowers’s set design, Jak Brits designing lighting, and Mariska Meyer designing the costumes.

According to the Market Theatre’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, this production presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation in ensuring inclusivity and dignity for all.

“The Market Theatre has always been at the centre of critical conversations about topical issues. As a space, we continuously stage bold productions that prick at our collective conscience as a nation, hold authorities accountable and affirm our shared humanity. With courageous honesty, outrageous brilliance and contagious humour, Laaitie mettie biscuits will awaken South Africans to the lived experiences of those on the periphery because they were born ‘different’,” remarks Greg Homann.

Homann emphasises the timeliness of this important production, following the crowning of Mia Le Roux as the first ever Miss SA with a disability.

This captivating play is presented at a profound moment when the arts and social reality are at an intersection. As the nation celebrates the crowning of a Miss South Africa emerging from our society where living with disability, inclusion, diversity and the protection of the marginalised reclaim their place in our national discourse. Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by the award-winning Davids illustrates the power of using the arts to advocate for the freedoms of others, speak truth to power and become a voice for the unheard.

Christo Davids is not a stranger to bold theatre and the representation of the marginalised. Laaitie mettie biscuits follows up on his award-winning Queenie-they, which highlighted the plight of homeless people.

Davids is a prolific actor, theatre and filmmaker who has established himself as a darling in the hearts of many audiences. Boasting a decades-long career that includes roles in SABC 2’s 7de Laan, The Boy Called Twist and Forgiveness.

Laaitie Mettie Biscuits will debut at Aardklop in Potchefstroom at the end of September (24 – 28 September 2024) before immediately transferring to The Market Theatre where it will run from 2 till 27 October. Be sure to catch this brand-new play which will no doubt leave you touched!

Tickets start from R100. For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950 / Mamello Khomongoe mamellok@markettheatre.co.za or 081 572 9612.

Bongiwe Potelwa
bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za
011 832 1641
The Market Theatre Foundation
http://www.markettheatre.co.za