In the tradition of the Bafana Republic franchise, Pay Back the Curry and My Fellow South Africans, Mike van Graan will premiere his new multi-sketch satirical work, Family Meeting, in Artscape’s Innovation Lounge from 24-29 August 2026. Awethu Hleli who was part of the Baxter Theatre’s resident company for two-and-a-half years will perform the work as her first solo show.
With the forthcoming local government elections and the general state of the world, there is much satirical material to challenge and entertain audiences while providing a cathartic outlet.
As with Van Graan’s previous works in this vein, Family Meeting combines drama, comedy, song and poetry in a series of sketches that poke fun and provoke audiences, while showcasing the skills of a talented young performer.
‘I first worked with Awethu a few years ago in Another One’s Bread and was impressed with her talent then and watched her in a number of shows at the Baxter. So I’m delighted that she’s available to perform this revue,’ said Van Graan who also directs the piece, using the minimalist style honed by Rob van Vuuren and Daniel Richards in their work on his earlier satirical revues – Pay Back the Curry, State Fracture and Land Acts.
The hour-long Family Meeting will run at 19:30 in the Innovation Lounge, next to Artscape’s Opera Bar from 24-29 August with a matinee at 14:00 on 29 August too.