Île follows the story of a young girl who goes to visit her ancestral home: Mauritius. What she thought would be a nostalgic trip to a tropical island to connect with her late grandfather and meet her backwards extended family, gets all too real as darker characters emerge from the undergrowth of the volcanic island…
It’s a story of coming-of-age, family feuds, and the hilarious insanity that happens when people stay in the same place for too long.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Written and performed by Sophie Joans
Directed by Rob van Vuuren
Dramaturgy by Richard White
Lighting Design by Dara Beth
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Sophie Joans
Sophie Joans is a theatre-maker and producer. She studied theatre and performance at UCT and Wits, and has also studied clowning at RADA (UK), storytelling at Second City and stand-up comedy at the Comedy Cellar (NYC).
She’s written and produced award winning plays: The Flower Hunters (2021 – Winner of Standard Bank Ovation Award) and Do You Dream In Colour (2018 – Winner of Zabalaza Festival’s Most Innovative Play). She collaborated on the short film, Verloren (2021 – Winner of Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award).
She founded popular storytelling event, Raunchy Renditions, and more recently, production company Spark in the Dark which aims to create space for connection through shows and workshops.
Rob van Vuuren
Rob van Vuuren is multi award comedian, actor, director and writer. He has been bringing new work to the National Arts Festival for nearly 30 years. His previous directing work includes; KG Mokgadi’s ‘Heavy’, Stuart Taylor’s ‘Funny You Should Say That’ , Bevan Cullinan’s ‘Gary the Tooth Fairy’, Louw Venter’s ‘Best Man’s Speech’, Gaëtan Schmidt’s ‘Rumpsteak’, Scott Sparrow’s ‘Isabella’ and more.