Theatresmiths - Hillcrest, South Africa
Trailer
Performance
The King of Broken Things
The King of Broken Things is a journey into the broken heart of a young boy, who, through creativity, imagination, and determination, teaches us that the rehabilitation of things broken and discarded gets to include people and hearts. It is a story that will challenge the audience to acknowledge their own “brokenness” and learn to accept the importance of reparation and how all things, seen and unseen, can be mended. The show touches on ancient Japanese traditions, mythology, and dreams, and reminds us of the magic that we so easily forget is everywhere. The King of Broken Things is a timely reminder to us all to think about the world and the repercussions of our actions, thoughts, and things we say. And how we mere mortals would do well to dwell more on the magic words – imagine, believe and dream.
Team
- Director: Michael Taylor-Broderick
- Composer: Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg
- Puppets, Costumes, and Stage Design: Michael Taylor-Broderick, Bryan Hiles
- Choreography: Michael Taylor-Broderick, Cara Roberts
- Cast: Cara Roberts
Schedule
- Day 5: Wednesday 05/10
- 14:30 - 15:20
- Stage: State Puppet Theatre - Varna
Gallery
About
Michael Taylor-Broderick (Writer/ Director) graduated from Natal Technikon with a diploma in Theatre Technology in 1993, in the Faculty of Arts. He worked in Production Projects, has been a Freelance Lighting Designer, Technical Director for the prestigious annual Hilton Arts Festival for the past 25 years and lectures on the subject of Lighting Design. Also, a playwright, director & writer, Michael’s interest and involvement in such varying art forms are what keep him inspired. His own works include ‘Jimmy Time’, ‘The Spartan and The Lullaby’, and Jakob’, the latter receiving critical acclaim wherever it has played. Michael is also the brains behind “One Man One Light”, a short performance piece based on the Italian “La Linea” television series, invited onto the Main Festival program at the National Arts Festival in 2016. The King of Broken Things is his most recent work. Michael is the founder of Theatresmiths, dedicated to exploring the ‘magic’ of theatre, he is currently employed as a Lighting Consultant for DWR Distribution.
Cara Roberts (Performer) – is an actress born in Johannesburg, currently residing in Durban. She has graced many a screen and stage since her first on-screen appearance in Durban Poison as the female lead in 2012. She played Renee in Fynbos and Mark Read in Black Sails (Season 4). Cara has made appearances in many local and international films and music videos.
She moved to Durban to further her theatre career. She was introduced to the city by Think Theatre, a company producing Shakespeare’s works which the matriculants are studying. The King of Broken Things is her first solo piece, where she plays a young boy struggling with the absence of his father. The show has been performed at the Hilton Arts Festival and the Umtiza Festival, garnering many accolades. It was written and directed by lighting and theatre genius Michael Taylor-Broderick.