Poison

Poison is a serious musical with music, book and lyrics by David Kramer and Taliep Petersen based on Othello. It looks at the the drug trade and gangsterism in Cape Town.

Translations and adaptations

Later rewritten as a full-on musical.

In 2019 the musical was reworked and updated, being set in 1995 and retitled Danger in the Dark.

Performance history in South Africa

1992: First directed for CAPAB Opera by Janice Honeyman at the Nico Malan Theatre, opening 20 October 1992. Deisgns by Andrew Botha, choric work by Hotep Galeta, choreography by Christopher Kindo, costumes by Fanie Steenkamp, lighting by Malcolm Hurrell. The cast included Al Hendricks, Winston Pienaar, Steve Walsh, Jenny de Lenta, Giempie Vardien, Ricky Rudolph, Bettina Schouw, Linda Alexander, Didi Moses, Arthur Petersen, Rashied Cassiem and Jody Abrahams.

1994: David Kramer directed the adapted version with the Volkswagen Music Active drama group at the Baxter Theatre in 1994, when Kramer won the FNB Vita Award for Best Director of a Musical. Also played in Malaysia.

1995: Poison was staged at the Port Elizabeth Opera House.

2019: Danger in the Dark first performed at the Baxter Theatre

2020: Danger in the Dark performed at the Baxter Theatre from 9 March.

Sources

Poison theatre programme, 1992.

Personal message from David Kramer to Ivor Markman, June 2018.

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