Three internationally renowned artists will converge at The Baxter Theatre Centre in January 2026 for an innovative theatrical experience that promises to challenge audiences’ perceptions of connection and isolation in contemporary society.
Listening to Walls Wear Off Their Colour brings together Maya Zbib from Lebanon, Lee Serle from Australia, and Mateo López from Colombia – all former fellows of the prestigious Rolex mentoring program – for a unique fusion of theatre, dance, and visual arts.
The production tackles pressing themes of alienation, displacement, and human connection that resonate globally. In today’s metropolitan environments, where people constantly cross paths but rarely truly meet, the performance examines fear of “the other,” intolerance, isolation, and loneliness that plague contemporary societies.
Maya Zbib, a theatre director, performer, and writer who co-founded Lebanon’s Zoukak Theatre Company, brings her expertise in storytelling and cultural narrative to the collaboration. New York-based dancer and choreographer Lee Serle contributes her extensive experience in stage, site-specific, and intimate performances, while Colombian visual artist Mateo López adds his multidisciplinary perspective focused on journeys, chance, and interconnected daily life events.
South African dancers Lorin Sookool and Grant van Ster will perform alongside Zbib and Serle, creating a truly international artistic exchange. The collaboration represents the successful outcome of the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative’s mentoring program, demonstrating how global artistic networks can foster meaningful creative partnerships.
The performance creates an ever-shifting landscape and architecture of frames, revealing and concealing fictional characters and moving bodies. This dynamic approach allows audiences’ minds to wander, reflect, fantasise, and relive stories, potentially eliciting new and surprising thought connections that lead to fresh emotions.
Limited performances demand early booking
Listening to Walls Wear Off Their Colour will have only three exclusive performances:
• Friday, 16 January 2026 at 19:30
• Saturday, 17 January 2026 with a 13:30 matinee and 19:30 evening show
The limited run makes these performances particularly sought-after cultural events for Cape Town theatre enthusiasts and those interested in cutting-edge artistic collaborations.
The Baxter Theatre Centre’s presentation of this production aims to foster dialogue, empathy, and critical reflection among South African audiences. By hosting this international collaboration, the venue continues its commitment to bringing world-class performances that expand emotional, intellectual, and cultural horizons.
This production represents more than entertainment – it’s an invitation to engage with complex sociopolitical themes through abstract, multilayered storytelling that speaks to universal human experiences.
Tickets are available through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores. Given the limited performances and international calibre of the artists, early booking is strongly recommended.
You must be logged in to post a comment.