John van de Ruit & Ben Voss in Mamba Republic (Credit: Jacki Bruniquel)
Not tip-toeing around what’s wrong and very wrong in the Rainbow Nation, South Africa, Mamba Republic is a rapidly-paced satirical sketch theatre comedy which reunites the talents of Ben Voss (Beauty Ramapelepele) and John van de Ruit (Spud). This brutally amusing production, from its opening at Durban’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre through to its performances on the Main program at the National Arts Festival in July, and its current run at The Theatre on the Square in Sandton ending 19th August, has continually had its audiences in stitches.
The Mamba Republic team generously donated R13 000 towards the SOS Charity Fund from ticket sales, a true reflection that while many have packed their bags for greener pasture, it’s the generous and vibrant spirit of fellow South Africans that make most of us want to stay!
With their unique blend of sharp wit, hopeless optimism and clever characterization, the duo sank their fangs into the fiascos and foibles of South African life. Whether it was their unique take on fees must fall, state capture, online dating, the economy, sport, technology, casual racism, an alternative national anthem, or even the most unusual football match in living memory, Mamba Republic had the audience in pain… their cheek bones hurting from all the laughter.
“As a theatre show, Mamba Republic is very pleased and proud to be pledging support to SOS,” commented Julia Clarence, from the Mamba Republic team. “We became aware of the charity through conversations with long term colleague and friend Michael Taylor-Broderick. He offered us his superb eye in an advisory capacity and in turn, we decided to pledge some money to the charity as a thank you. Michael’s vision has been key to the look and aesthetic of our show, and we are grateful to have had his wisdom on our team. It is not often that theatre show can find such a direct avenue to give back to charity, so we are delighted that this venture was made possible by Michael and DWR Distribution.”
Mamba Republic follows in the footsteps of Green Mamba (2002) and Black Mamba (2005) which together racked up over 800 performances in five years, winning numerous awards and developing a cult following all over Southern Africa.
The SOS Charity Fund is an initiative by DWR Distribution to assist people in the entertainment industry when they experience a crisis in their lives.
