We’re excited to extend a public invite to Unruly, a theatre play produced by Empatheatre as part of the Unruly Natures project. The show delves into the experiences of residents living alongside urban baboons on the Cape Peninsula, starring internationally renowned performer Andrew Buckland.
During 1-7 June we will tour Ocean View, Kommetjie, Constantia, Simon’s Town, Da Gama Park, Welcome Glen, and Capri.
To attend, please SIGN UP HERE.
About Unruly
Unruly is not just a play – it’s a journey into the complexities of human-wildlife interactions, based on thorough research including interviews and a survey with over 500 local residents. While the story is fictional, the production brings to life the diverse experiences of those sharing their neighbourhoods with these fascinating and often polarising creatures.
What to Expect
After each performance, there will be a facilitated discussion where audience members can share their thoughts and experiences. This conversation will be facilitated by Empatheatre’s professional team, who are used to dealing with difficult topics in a respectful and empathetic way. The discussion will be recorded as part of the research, but your identity will remain anonymous and you don’t have to participate.
Why Attend?
Unruly offers a unique opportunity to engage with the ongoing research project, Unruly Natures, while enjoying a captivating theatrical experience. By attending, you’ll contribute to a deeper understanding of human-baboon relations and the tensions that exist between different perspectives.
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to the general public, with a special invitation to residents in neighbourhoods regularly visited by baboons. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, have a lot or a little to say about baboons, your perspective is valuable and we encourage you to join us for an unforgettable evening. Please note that to comply with our research ethics permit, we cannot include anyone younger than 18 years in these events. However, we hope to give more shows later this year that will also target youth groups across the study area.
Don’t Miss Out!
Mark your calendars and reserve your spot for Unruly today. Be part of a new kind of conversation about what it means to live alongside urban wildlife.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Unruly Natures Project 
last night was AMAZING!
Thank you to all involved.
I need to add to my comments about education being a key.
Understanding the baboons does not imply that they should remain in town. We all want them safe and happy in the mountains.
You touched on their being dispersers of seed in their skats. Now this to me, is a key point that the haters refuse to acknowledge.
If we insist on moving them, our mountain, already denuded by unnatural, non cyclical fires, will remain barren. Mudslides and rockfalls will cause further damage.
perhaps Sonia’s parents could introduce this fact? As a historic function of these magnificent creatures?
Thank you once again for all your hard work and magnificent play.
Karen
Thank you Karen for this comment – apologies for the delayed response, the tour kept us all very busy.
I hear your point, but to clarify, the play (and our research project) is not primarily about baboons, or about educating people about baboons. What we are trying to study, and help residents reflect on, is the “human side” and how different experiences and views of baboons create social divides. The reason is partly because we are not baboon experts, and partly because there are limits to how much we can do with the funding we have been granted. Similarly, we try to avoid the play becoming too long, so have chosen to focus on some things and leave out others. That said, I have made note of your feedback and will add it to other comments we have received.
Thank you for coming and for sharing your thoughts!
Johan
I am a volunteer with an animal protection organization called Beauty Without Cruelty. Recently we have launched a youth group in order to encourage understanding and empathy with our non-human brethren. One of our youth is particularly concerned with the plight of baboons in the Cape. He was very excited to hear about the play Unruly at the Baxter Theatre but was very disappointed to learn that because of his age he could not attend. Is there any chance of taking play to schools.
Dear Heather, thanks for reaching out. Please email me at johan.enqvist@su.se and I will see if we can make a plan. Anyone from 13 and up is welcome to the play, younger audiences might work too but let’s have a chat.
We are recording the play and are planning to make that version available to high schools that want to organise shows and discussions about it. More info to come in future blog posts!