In bocca al lupo

4.86 (180)

In bocca al lupo

31 performances between Jan. 29, 2017 and Aug. 3, 2017
Kamishibai Memoir
Written by Jemma Kahn and Tertius Kapp • Directed by Jane Taylor • Illustrated and performed by Jemma Kahn • Sound Design by Charl Johan Lingenfelder • Lighting Desgn by Themba Stewart • Costumes by Ella Buter
80mins
CuePix:Danielle O'Neill3.JPG CuePix:Danielle O'Neill1.JPG CuePix:Danielle O'Neill2.JPG
What could follow The Epicene Butcher and We Didn't Come to Hell for the Croissants? In bocca al lupo, Jemma Kahn's third kamishibai show: a graphic and candid and whimsical journey across three continents, using four story boxes, one giant cicada, a naked Catholic (or two) and one golden surprise.

Using simple but beautifully drawn images displayed on cardboard story panels, Jemma Kahn has spent the last four years captivating audiences from Alexander Bar to Edinburgh to Amsterdam with her unique take on the 12th century Japanese art form 'kamishibai'. The effect is like watching a sort of live Manga cartoon, her sheer verve in combination with all the elements at play create an utterly original and sometimes bizarre theatre experience, a joyous tribute to visual and verbal storytelling.

Premiered at the National Arts Festival 2016 | Produced by POPArt Productions and Jemma Kahn, in association with the National Arts Festival and Arts and Culture Trust and Nedbank Arts Affinity. 
In bocca al lupo like Kahn's two shows before it, brings together a truly wonderful creative team. And like the two shows before it, In bocca al lupo is not for the faint hearted or the easily offended.

Jane Taylor:  writer, Ubu and the Truth Commission (1997), writer Wild Dogs (winner of the Olive Schreiner Prize 2006), director After Cardenio (2011)

Tertius Kapp: theatre, Rooiland (Fleur Du Cap, Smeltkroes & Fiesta Awards 2013), Oorsee (Smeltkroes, 2014). Kapp won the Herzog Prize for theatrical work in 2015. His screen adaptation Dis ek, Anna won the SAFTA for best script in 2015 as well as the Silwerskerm for Best Picture.

Media & Reviews

Review

Review by Laura Davidson

Jemma Kahn is flying solo and she soars

Review

Audience Responses

Superb, bring her back again!

FRANK • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma is brilliant! Want more of this Japanese story-telling

Natalie • Attended Feb. 11, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn is a breath of fresh air!

Peter • Attended June 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

As always, Jemma is enchanting to watch and the stories range from the sublimely giggle-licious to the poignantly subdued. We laughed, we cried we clapped. Thank you for a exquisite little show Jemma, you're becoming a Master at what you do.

Sarah • Attended Feb. 4, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I really enjoyed this inspiring and very entertaining storytelling. The use of such basic props and yet an age old method is GREAT. Thank you

Estelle • Attended May 30, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The show was absolutely brilliant, we would love to see an encore performance sometime! Or encores of any of Jenna's previous shows too. Thanks so much. Lance & Liz

Lance • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Original, funny and well crafted, Not sure whether the kimono ending was effective though...

David • Attended Feb. 4, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fan-bloody-tastic. A masterclass in storytelling. Jemma Kahn is wonderful.

Georgia • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutely loved it. Jemma Kahn is truly a gem :). Professional, entertaining and most enjoyable show.

Lee • Attended Feb. 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic (in both senses of the word) show.

Gustav • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

brilliant. what we have come to expect of Jemma.

Suzanna • Attended Feb. 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I always enjoy Jemma Kahn's productions! However, the aubergine parmagiano I had afterwards was a little undercooked....

Charlotte • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

I thought it was absolutely brilliant and will recommend it highly. Also, Rebecca was fabulous downstairs. Great evening.

Suzy • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Yet another riveting performance by the inimitable Jemma Kahn. Her honesty and vivid recollections enable all her characters come to life. Kamishibai theatre at its best - such that it that the Japanese might be envious. Don't miss it!

Toby • Attended June 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful, sardonic, humour. An excellent portrayal be Gemma Khan, supported by her wonderful cardboard story panels. Such an interesting medium. Also, good direction. Bridget Boyd

Bridget • Attended June 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I AM OFF TO JAPAN SHORTLY SO THIS SHOW WAS MORE INTERESTING TO ME....LOVED IT GREATLY AMUSING....TALENTED YOUNG WOMAN...

Dawn • Attended May 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

great, great show.. jemma kahn was tour de force as usual; even better than butcher & croissants.. Cant wait for the next one

peter • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

We think Jemma is absolutely brilliant and the most consummate storyteller. It is a joy to watch her. Our only regret is that we didn't get to see The Epicene Butcher when it was on!

Nicky • Attended Feb. 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Entertaining and engaging. Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. An amazing preformance!

Rachel • Attended July 26, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

A beautiful, intimate story-telling experience.

Ryan • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I'm known to be prone to hyperbole, but that might genuinely have been the best thing I've ever seen. All I want now is the Episcene butcher and we didn't come to hell for the croissants to come on again so I can watch them both again and just die happy. Thank you!

Bridget • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

This was our first introduction to Jemma and we loved the clever concept and her delivery. We have spent time in Japan which enhanced our enjoyment of the show.

Karin • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I thought it was very clever and entertaining!

Elleanor • Attended May 31, 2017, 7 p.m.

Heartfelt and hilarious.

Steven • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Amazing.. a must see

Kate • Attended Feb. 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fine mix of dark and light with surreal edges, and funny also a bit crazy – and sharp-minded.

chas • Attended Feb. 11, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn in brilliant form! 'In bocca al lupo' is an innovative, inventive, smart and sussy theatrical tour de force that breathes an emotional authenticity. One expects high standards from this unique story teller and once again she has delivered with wit, charm and seeming insouciance that hits the spot. Superb visual experience too - a flawless revelation in pictures and word. #mapmyway says: "Not to be missed".

PHILIP • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was stunning! Jemma is so talented and creative - we will attend everything she performs at your theatre. It was a wonderful evening out - thank you! It was an extra treat to discover that my husband knew her family in the past and she very kindly and generously chatted to us after the show. Much appreciation, Sue Cooper and Dave Pinchuck

Sue • Attended July 29, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Very different, very clever, excellent!

Heather • Attended June 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

http://www.whatson.co.za/news_read.php?id=4766&type=news

Laura • Attended Feb. 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Loved it! A single very personal story but far more ambitious at the same time. Still full of laugh-out-loud moments but fascinating to see the evolution going on in Jemma Khan's work. Will see anything she's in to be honest..

Graham • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma's performance was engaging and I related well to her topic. She is an incredible storyteller and the show was funny, thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable.

Claire • Attended July 29, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Wonderful

Sandra • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.

It really touched me, having recently returned from a similarly hellish overseas working experience.

Christie • Attended Feb. 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Hi Alexander Bar & Theatre Jemma Kahn’s ‘In bocca al Lupo” was wonderful – I’m sold on kamishibai. The service and food at the beginning and end of the evening was also awesome. Please add me to your mailing list! Carolynn Bruton

carolynn • Attended Feb. 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Great show great space. Loved it but preferred Didn't come to hell .....

Terry • Attended June 9, 2017, 7 p.m.

Very entertaining, funny, sad, visually lovely, great stories and an enriching experience. Wonderful that Jemma is such an out there person and shares her life, love, feelings and being with the world. Well done Jemma and a really worthwhile experience

Rina • Attended June 5, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was quite a different tone to Jemma's other Japanese shows. As a biographical account, we loved the story and as usual, her phenomenal acting.

Maria • Attended June 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
3.0

Outstandingly wonderful!!! So different & fantastic. It was also our first time at The Alexander and it certainly won't be the last!

Lynn • Attended June 5, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

One of the best performances! Excellent!!!

Nita • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

What a great form of story telling. I cannot wait to see more.

Nic • Attended Feb. 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn is beautiful. Her show is beautiful. Bring it back.

odette • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was great, only slightly under a 5 as the Croissant story was just a tiny bit better. But we loved it nonetheless.

Greg • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Loved it.

Justin • Attended June 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It wasn't as great as epiciene butcher. There were some fantastic moments though and the illustrations were very good.

Hannah • Attended July 26, 2017, 7 p.m.
3.0

wow

katherine • Attended June 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I loved Jemma Kahn's first two shows, but greatly appreciated the slightly more serious autobiographical edge of this production. I enjoyed the sustained narrative rather than the amalgam of choppier segments and the absurdist ending with the monster sounds and the imperial golden cape. The Japanese ambassador must have been a little bit nervous...

Alexandra • Attended June 10, 2017, 4 p.m.
5.0

The play was incredibly well done. Jemma Khan's story-telling was incredible. We really enjoyed the use of the art boards and found the writing absolutely hilarious. One memorable line was along the lines of "Having taken Speed, everyone was having a great time with very serious faces". The play was so clever and well-executed. We enjoyed it!

Achita • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb. Gemma is remarkable, honest and brave. She is extraordinarily creative, her performance riveting. I'll be there every time.

Ruth • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

brilliant as always, but also far more vulnerable and personal - it felt like a real privilege to be there.

karla • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Do hope there is another run! Wanted to recommend, but seems only seats available for tonight:(

Renaye • Attended June 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

A wily travelogue - in one go fresh-faced, very funny, but with excursions into the darker recesses of longing. .

Rodney • Attended July 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful storytelling!

Liz • Attended Feb. 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful narration, reminding us all how hilarious our lives can be.

Tanya • Attended July 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Utterly captivating - as always. I love the trimmed down (going solo) yet boosted (bigger "screen") production. I'd see it again and again. Gemma is amazing. Fabulous.

Jenni • Attended Feb. 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Good. Much better than the second installment. I will be recommending it to all my friends.

barry • Attended June 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

5 stars. Original and entertaining; glad you put it on again so soon after the last time as I missed out then.

Vivienne • Attended July 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

A remarkable show. Beautiful, serious, funny, sad. I absolutely loved it

Morna • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The play was incredibly well done. Jemma Khan's story-telling was incredible. We really enjoyed the use of the art boards and found the writing absolutely hilarious. One memorable line was along the lines of "Having taken Speed, everyone was having a great time with very serious faces". The play was so clever and well-executed. We enjoyed it!

Achita • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Loved the show! It felt like someone was reading a story to me from a giant comic book! Looking forward to the next one :)

Merryl • Attended June 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

So many feels! Unexpected yet familiar. Just really the best!!

Hayley • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Thrilling and totally engaging as always - and her shows just get better and better. I loved it ! (Jemma is definitely not "autumn"...)

Roy • Attended Feb. 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The play was incredibly well done. Jemma Khan's story-telling was incredible. We really enjoyed the use of the art boards and found the writing absolutely hilarious. One memorable line was along the lines of "Having taken Speed, everyone was having a great time with very serious faces". The play was so clever and well-executed. We enjoyed it!

Achita • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

A Magnificent performance. Yours, Neville Rubin

Neville • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I loved it. I was enthralled by it. I think I am in love with Jemma. Best theatre.

Megan • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Guys, you know how wonderful this show is. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this kind of magic with Cape Town audiences.

Maria • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Even better than I remember it. Most profound of Jemma's three kamishibai shows.Beautifully written, performed, illustrated and directed. Only gripe is the last cicada costume sequence, which doesn't deliver enough to justify the rigmarole. Otherwise a fabulous show!

Nigel • Attended July 24, 2017, 7 p.m.

So entertaining. Brilliant script and acting

natalie • Attended July 26, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

So honest and entertaining! Enjoyed every single moment

LIZ • Attended June 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

While I did enjoy the show, I would have liked to know that it was a memoir before deciding if it was for me. Having received your email requesting feedback, I now see that the official / full title is In bocca al lupo (Kamishibai Memoir), which makes sense. The show description does not, however, say that it is a memoir. Jemma Khan is a very captivating storyteller, but I don't think this came close to We Didn't Come to Hell for the Croissants, in my opinion - and that's mostly because I am not personally that interested in memoirs about time spent in Asia. I suppose the storyline was a bit too familiar to constitute the kind of escapist entertainment that I found We Didn't Come to Hell for the Croissants to be. I hope this feedback is somewhat constructive.

Claire • Attended June 5, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

A perfect jewel of a show!

Johan • Attended Jan. 30, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Such a great show! Jemma is so amazing! All the entertainment of Croissants but with depth too this time. Odd and lovely getting the feeling almost of reading a written memoir -- that sort of intimacy -- while being absorbed by the acting and artwork. The scenes of the Japanese jungle at the start are so beautiful and accurate. And the skype scenes! God, so close to home. My one thought was that the show could end when we go back to the forest. The success of the show can be inferred by the show itself! Which would be cool, although the gorgeous golden robe is a counterargument. I loved the framing of Fufu's storytelling-without-shame. And culture shock (gah) and seasonal colours (all our mothers). Please make another one soon thanks.

Charne • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant! Well done. A firm favorite in her stride great show - thank you.

Leah • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

jemma's shows are the BEST

Laura • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jenna is fantastic! Really enjoyed the show.

Nancy • Attended July 29, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The show was absolutely brilliant, we would love to see an encore performance sometime! Or encores of any of Jenna's previous shows too. Thanks so much. Lance & Liz

Lance • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant

David • Attended June 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic to learn about this artists journey through Kamishibai. Unique, funny and heartwarming.

Matt • Attended Feb. 1, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn is phenomenal. A deeply moving, darkly funny and creative exploration of culture shock, love and loss.

Charisse • Attended Feb. 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

jemma's shows are the BEST

Laura • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Her show is unique and brilliant and funny. She bares her soul but it's never maudlin or cringe-making or boring. And it was the right length too. We loved it.

Hetty • Attended June 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

gemma is just wonderful. i look forward to whatever she does next. amazing form of theatre. marvellous.

gail • Attended June 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent, entertaining, pithy and professional

Sandra • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Ab fab!!!

Jeremy • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn is AMAZING!

ASHLEIGH • Attended May 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

A remarkable show. Beautiful, serious, funny, sad. I absolutely loved it

Morna • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was really great, I enjoyed every second.

Michael • Attended June 10, 2017, 4 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant on all levels! Thank you for the call to let me know there were 2 tickets back on line!

Natasha • Attended Feb. 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Bravo Gemma!

Estelle • Attended June 5, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant show! Lovely time at the theatre! And we had a great meal! Thank you!

Lara • Attended Feb. 4, 2017, 7 p.m.

Wow. Not that the other two Kamishibai's weren't great, but this one was something different. So real and evocative but still hilarious. It made me cry.

Julia • Attended June 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Outstanding! Thank you once again. We were the biggest fans ever of "WE DIDN'T COME TO HELL... " & Appreciated the change of pace & change of panels in this one - although we missed the sound-effects accomplice! :D

Carla • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb. Gemma is remarkable, honest and brave. She is extraordinarily creative, her performance riveting. I'll be there every time.

Ruth • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I'd have rated Jemma's others all 5.

Callan • Attended Feb. 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

One of the best pieces I've seen. Absolutely excellent; highly recommended. Please continue to host this caliber of performance!

Simone • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I really enjoyed this inspiring and very entertaining storytelling. The use of such basic props and yet an age old method is GREAT. Thank you

Estelle • Attended May 30, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

brilliant - intelligent, moving and very funny

susan • Attended Feb. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

If you're not booking tickets as soon as you see that it's a Jemma Khan show, then you're risking missing out! Each one of her shows that I've seen, has been fantastic; and this one is no exception. I'm definitely booking to go see it again during its next run at Alexander Bar.

Sally • Attended Feb. 6, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Her show is unique and brilliant and funny. She bares her soul but it's never maudlin or cringe-making or boring. And it was the right length too. We loved it.

Hetty • Attended June 8, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Was funny and real. That's life. Not fond of first few minutes, took me about 10minutes to figure out what's going on. And the end left me confused, a few minute to long spent on putting on clothes and it not having a point. Except fir the above we thoroughly enjoyed the show

Zandrea • Attended June 10, 2017, 4 p.m.
4.0

Theatre gold as luxurious as her kimono Jemma's performance is vulnerable and poignant. A script as hilarious as it is tragic. Thank g-d she never became an estate agent

Tracey • Attended Jan. 30, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

fantastic

Katherine • Attended Feb. 4, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

We thought it was excellent and recommend it highly. Courageous, fascinating and very funny!

Cormac • Attended June 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Captivating!!

Valentina • Attended May 29, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The show was absolutely brilliant, we would love to see an encore performance sometime! Or encores of any of Jenna's previous shows too. Thanks so much. Lance & Liz

Lance • Attended Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic show, but please sort out the air-con. We were six and everyone complained of the stifling heat. Makes the experience less enjoyable.

Terence • Attended Feb. 11, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I simply love how she tells the stories!!!!

José • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

fantastic

Katherine • Attended Feb. 4, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Riveting theatre craft

Rod • Attended June 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Laughed a lot and appreciated the honesty of Jemma's story telling. Struggled a bit with the last bit which felt disjointed but overall had a great time!

Ivan • Attended July 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Superb. Gemma is remarkable, honest and brave. She is extraordinarily creative, her performance riveting. I'll be there every time.

Ruth • Attended June 10, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The intimate venue was perfect for this form of storytelling; you could see the illustrations. A wonderful narrative and performance.

Mary • Attended June 2, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

General- Excellent production and ideally suited to the venue. It started punctually and was a suitable length.There was sufficient ventilation in the theatre so that it did not become stuffy- a CT problem in winter. More Specifically-I appreciated the searing honesty of the presentation and whilst the content was profound and deftly handled, I would have liked to have seen more interpretation of these experiences, not necessarily directly, but more a subtle synthesising to invite the viewer to appreciate the catharsis which has (or has not) occurred. In essence, we all have various experiences in life as a continuum but for me there is huge value in how a person evaluates these experiences retrospectively and what they extract from them - in a nutshell, how they have altered the presenter's perspective of (her) reality.The cultural adaptation could be seen as a metaphor for life itself... My only negative comment is reserved for the bar downstairs-very poor service, a mistake in a straightforward bill, poor selection of snacks (no vegetarian!) where food order was unavailable (less than 1 hour before show) and poor organisation of the division of labour.

Raoul • Attended July 26, 2017, 7 p.m.

Brilliant! Really enjoyed it!

Welmien • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Jemma Kahn is great and the small venue suits her shows. I'll come see any of her anytime at the Alexander Bar.

Clare • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutley Amazing show! Simplistic creative story telling at it's best!

Sulien • Attended Jan. 31, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutely brilliant story telling !!

marc • Attended July 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

This is the sort of theatre that makes me love this profession and constantly fight to tell stories with all the passion and truth I can find in me. No frills, no fear. Thank fuck you're not still teaching foreign English classes. The night after watching this I went to another show based on real life experiences but full of bells and whistles and totally lacking in integrity with regards to the story. I found myself wishing I was watching Jemma again rather than beibg where I was. Thank you for giving us your talents without reservation or ego.

Candice • Attended July 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I adored the show, very pleased to have been able to see it again!