Synopses & Reviews
“No one knows how many men and women who have become the makers of a unique black theatre and a unique non racial theatre in South Africa, known all over the world, come from [Barney Simon’s] vision and patient energy as director/writer.”—Nadine Gordimer
Barney Simon (1932–1995) was the legendary artistic director, writer, and co-creator of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, one of the most influential and distinguished theaters in South Africa and the world. He workshopped, wrote, and directed unforgettable and pertinent plays in his quest to “hold a mirror up high to society.” He created works that are a testament to South Africa’s recent history.
Barney was very well known for his famous “orange exercise.” Through this exercise he created, taught, and expressed many profound principles of artistic expression. Through a single orange, he communicated lessons of detail, care, and respect.
Here are 80 testaments from international artists about Barney’s often mysterious creative process. With full-color illustrations throughout, this is an essential book for students and teachers of theatrical expression, and indeed for anyone who strives to understand their own voice. With the passing of a decade of democracy in South Africa, The World in an Orange is a record of the last years of apartheid and the role of the arts community in bringing about its decline.
Irene Stephanou is a South African writer and performer of Greek descent, whose notable works include Is Every Sperm Sacred? and Meze, Mera and Make Up.
Leila Henriques is an actress whose dramatic roles have ranged from Ibsen to South African TV.
Lionel Abrahams (1928–2004), a South African poet, novelist, critic, and publisher whose work spans four volumes of poetry, multiple essay and short fiction collections, and the autobiographical “novel in 18 stories” The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan, has been called the most influential person in South African literary history. His widow, Jane Fox, is an accomplished novelist and poet whose work includes The Dancer and Other Poems and the acclaimed The Killing Bottle.
Synopsis
The World in an Orange is a compendium of personal and artistic reflections from a community inspired by the life and work of renowned South African playwright and theater director Barney Simon (1932-1995). Spanning countless boyhood hours spent at the Regal theater, the development and fruition of a style, its artistic impact, and, finally, contemporary reflections on Simon's growing legacy written by those who continue to learn from his personal and professional example, The World in an Orange achieves a remarkable afterglow in its portrayal of a not only gifted, but fully-realized, artistic life.
Irene Stephanou is a South African writer and performer of Greek descent, whose notable works include Is Every Sperm Sacred? and Meze, Mera and Make Up.
Leila Henriques is an actress whose dramatic roles have ranged from Ibsen to South African TV.
Lionel Abrahams (1928-2004), a South African poet, novelist, critic, and publisher whose work spans four volumes of poetry, multiple essay and short fiction collections as well as the autobiographical novel in eighteen stories The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan, has been called the most influential person in South African literary history. His widow, Jane Fox, is an accomplished novelist and poet whose work includes The Dancer and Other Poems and the acclaimed The Killing Bottle.
Synopsis
Barney Simon (1932-1995) was the legendary artistic director, writer, and co-creator ofthe Market Theatre in Johannesburg, one of the most influential and distinguished theatres in South Africa and the world. He workshopped, wrote, and directed unforgettable and pertinent plays in his quest to "hold a mirror up high to society." These works stand as a testament to South Africas recent history.
Here are 80 testaments from international artists about Barneys often mysterious creative process. Barney was especially known for his famous "orange exercise." Through a single orange,he communicated lessons ofdetail,care, and respect. With full-color illustrations throughout, this is an essential book for students and teachers of theatrical expression, and indeed for anyone who strives to understand their own voice. With the passing of a decade of democracy in South Africa, The World in an Orange is a record of the last years of apartheid and the role of the arts community in bringing it down.
Synopsis
A beautiful and moving tribute to a beloved member of the world's theater community.
About the Author
IRENE STEPHANOU is a South African writer and performer of Greek descent, whose notable works include Is Every Sperm Sacred? and Meze, Mera and Make Up.
LEILA HENRIQUES is an actress whose dramatic roles have ranged from Ibsen to South African TV.