Sandton theatre hosts massive talent

The Auto & General Theatre on the Square is known around Sandton as the place to go when you crave a bit of culture, and its latest offering, Freud’s last session, certainly does not disappoint.

This award-winning international play by Marc St Germain presents a compelling debate on the existence of God. It is filled with humanity, humour, and razor-sharp dialogue. The new production will star two leading stalwarts of South African theatre, Graham Hopkins and Antony Coleman, and will be directed by the award-winning Alan Swerdlow, with set and lighting design by Denis Hutchinson.

As Freud and Lewis argue about whether belief in God is merely a childish fantasy (in Freud’s view), or a crucial element of a meaningful life, (in Lewis’), the BBC keeps interrupting with the latest news bulletins.

The news could be better. St Germain has cleverly set his play on 3 September 1939. With war with Germany imminent and terrifying to both the dying 83-year-old Jewish refugee from Vienna, and the 40-year-old World War I veteran, visiting from Oxford.

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They may be meeting to trying resolve the conflict between science and religion, but their conversation veers to their parents, the power of music, the meaning of Hitler and the entertainment value of flatulence. They both make jokes about the couch in the room. Lewis teases Freud for being obsessed with sex; Freud mocks Lewis’s deference to authority.

Daphne Kuhn, owner of the Theatre on the Square is delighted to host some of South Africa’s best acting talent. “This play is truly thought-provoking, while remaining delightfully entertaining, and is a true showcase of South African talent. A must see!” said Kuhn.

When was the last time you saw a play at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square? Let us know by tweeting @Sandton_News