"Expectant" is a contemporary coming of age story told against the backdrop of a 400 year colonial history of young, white, English speaking South Africans; and how their identity revolves and dissolves around what it means to be “from this country”. Posed as the late-night conversation-stains of a young woman who finds out she’s pregnant and isn’t sure she can stomach having another version of her own uncertainties materialise in front of her – Expectant addresses the fault lines in our country’s creolized culture with a dark sense of humour and sobering interpretation of the “New” South Africa.

Rebecca Makin-Taylor is astounding in a sensitively crafted performance that is as alluring as it is alarming. Featuring soundscapes and score by Joanie and Ben Ludik (Invisible Nightclub) – of Cannes Film Festival award-winning "Skoonheid" and legendary film-maker Katinka Heyns' "Die Wonderwerker" fame.

It was also named in the City Press as the 5th most important show to see on National Arts Festival Fringe this year. "Expectant" was awarded a Standard Bank Ovation award at the 2013 National arts Festival.

Rust Co-Operative has been running since February 2012 and in that time has won both local and international awards (Standard Bank Ovation, Dublin Gay Theatre Festival) and been nominated for 3 Fleur de Cap awards.

Media & Reviews

Press Release for Expectant (at TAAC)

Review of Expectant by Robyn Cohen

Audience Responses

A wonderful production--from design, performance, writing, to direction. Even its setting, above the Alexander Bar, supported its resonances. Lovely work.

Fascinating !! Brilliant acting!!

That girl was brilliant and I think Penelope Yougleson is a very clever lady. Loved my first visit to your super venue and it won't be the last, it rteminded me of being in a show in Grahamstown at the festival .

A brilliant show. Everything was spot on - Rebecca Makin-Taylor's performance, her dress, the sound, the lighting. Now we just need to find out how we get more cold Capetonians out of their warm homes to attend these gems in the City Centre. It deserves bigger audiences.

Astonishing, rivetting. I loved it.

Astonishing, rivetting. I loved it.

5 brilliantly performed and beautifully written. Perfect show for the space

Highly talented playwright and actress! Challenging, moving, engaging and thought-provoking. Thank you for a great venue.

Loved the show - everything: the text, acting, directions. Works so well in the intimate space at the Alexander Bar.

Found a little overwhelming, have had some time to process now but might need to see again to fully internalise. Thought Rebecca Makin-Taylor was excellent, her intensity and ability to jump from character to character and hold those characters made it an engaging experience.

That girl was brilliant and I think Penelope Yougleson is a very clever lady. Loved my first visit to your super venue and it won't be the last, it rteminded me of being in a show in Grahamstown at the festival .