Kafka’s Ape is a solo performance adaptation of Franz Kafka’s ‘A Report To An Academy’ about a primate’s struggle to overcome the confines of captivity. The play engages in an allegorical observation of the South African society through the eyes of other; the ape Red Peter. In 2015 it won a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival.

A challenging play in which traditional boundaries, categories, and norms are questioned; in which beauty, harmony, and symmetry are usurped by cruelty, dissonance, and abnormality. It opens up the reality that there exists something outside of and in addition to our “normal,” “typical,” “wholesome” world, and that is “other”. The play thus compels audiences to identify and to meditate on their rejoinder to other(ness) as it highlights the complexities of identity in post-apartheid South Africa and in the human race in general.

“Minimalist décor, subtle music, lights and brilliant acting succeed in enthralling the audience with questions about the human condition, external realities, conformity and freedom. It’s personal, tragic, funny and gooseflesh-inducing.” - Martin Laubscher, Cue Newspaper.

“…the play comprises poignant truisms about identity and the danger of shallowly judging others.” - Robyn Sassen. 

“I hazard that Kafka’s Ape is both ‘ours’ and ‘theirs’, a happy middle ground filled with beautiful unhappiness. You can’t but feel like an insider, partly the crisp clear narrative, but detailed energetic genius & superhuman physicality pulled this one off.” - Christopher Steenkamp

Audience Responses

Without a doubt in my top 3 shows of all time. Powerful and Unforgettable.

5. It is a show of exceptional intelligence, commitment to performance and engagement with the audience. One of the best shows I have seen in many years. I genuinely admire the commitment of the performer and director to make a surprising, tragic, funny, and always wholly provoking piece of theatre. I cannot recommend it too highly.

It was sensational, thank you. The actor was amazing, and the piece is classic and unforgettable! ,

What an incredible production. A well deserved and lengthy standing ovation.

5. It is a show of exceptional intelligence, commitment to performance and engagement with the audience. One of the best shows I have seen in many years. I genuinely admire the commitment of the performer and director to make a surprising, tragic, funny, and always wholly provoking piece of theatre. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Cape Town needs more of this kind of theatre: honest, insightful and able to redress the status quo. 'Kafka's Ape' is a harrowing tour de force and a welcome relief from the standard fare.

Pity ther were only 3 people in the auditorium

Utterly brilliant!

Sitting in front of me were Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, whose THE CHIMP PROJECT this production inevitably recalled. I also remember seeing Marius Weyers in full chimp make-up do REPORT TO AN ACADEMY many years ago at the Market. So KAFKA'S APE had much resonance in theatrical terms but it was very much its own ...er...man. Tony Miyambo is one of my favourite actors and he managed to strike the balance between human and ape brilliantly. (Glad I wasn't in front row for flea inspection...) Although, of course, it has much social and political relevance to us, the "SA" adaption occasionally seemed contrived but pays off in its inherent message of the true nature of our being (our truth) not being related to our external appearance. (cf Kafka's METAMORPHOSIS) And there are many other societal aspects too.Thanks for bringing these quality Joburg productions to Cape Town!

5. It is a show of exceptional intelligence, commitment to performance and engagement with the audience. One of the best shows I have seen in many years. I genuinely admire the commitment of the performer and director to make a surprising, tragic, funny, and always wholly provoking piece of theatre. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Excellent!

5. It is a show of exceptional intelligence, commitment to performance and engagement with the audience. One of the best shows I have seen in many years. I genuinely admire the commitment of the performer and director to make a surprising, tragic, funny, and always wholly provoking piece of theatre. I cannot recommend it too highly.

Great actor and adaptation.

Brilliant acting.brilliant script.Quite outstanding!

Never before have I seen such a mighty representation of our animal, fighting to be human

Damn good

Everyone should see this. Really hope it comes back for another run. Marius Weyers took it to the States in 1987 and it is just as relevant today in a post apartheid context. Brilliant

Everyone should see this. Really hope it comes back for another run. Marius Weyers took it to the States in 1987 and it is just as relevant today in a post apartheid context. Brilliant

Beautiful performance by a remarkable actor. I am so happy that I saw it.

It was sensational, thank you. The actor was amazing, and the piece is classic and unforgettable! ,

Tony Miyambo’s rich and complex performance was even more thrilling the second time around.

Thought provoking. The actor really emerged himself into the role and challenges the ideals of humans and our degrading treatmebt of animals.

Tony Miyambo is ASTOUNDING. Sublime, nuanced, intense physical and vocal emotional performance. Actually, the whole show is just so so good - the adaptation and direction by Phala, the themes, the smack-you-in-the-balls pathos and yearning to just survive. Phenomenal. Not the first time I've seen it, but man - the Alex Bar suits it so well! Thanks for bringing it down...and may it return! So great to see the theatre overflowing with a very enthusiastic audience.

Brilliant

A superb performance by a superb performer. He was absolutely extraordinary and his performance was touching, funny, moving and utterly convincing. An hour of mesmerising theatre - thank you.

Very strong and inspiring performance.

Superb!