American Play, The Brothers Size, Opens to Rave Reviews

The Brothers Size tells the story of two orphaned brothers. Ogun, the elder, is a hard-working man, dedicated to his car-repair shop; Oshoosi, just out of prison on parole, is a happy-go-unlucky type, only interested in chasing women and enjoying life.

Consul General Erica Barks-Ruggles and Deputy Assistant Secretary Reuben Brigety enjoy some time with the actors and director during a reception following the May 19 opening performance

May 19, 2012

The U.S. Consulate in Cape Town hosted over one hundred friends at a special showing of the groundbreaking American play, The Brothers Size, May 18, at the Baxter Theatre.

Written by award-winning American playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, the drama explores themes of brotherhood, imprisonment, belonging and freedom beneath a rich underlay of West African mythology and music – a dynamic fusion that resonated deeply with the diverse Cape Town audience that included artists, cultural and social activists, teachers, academics, students, and Department of State exchange program alumni.

Theater goers were afforded a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the play’s concepts during an interactive session with the actors and director following the performance.  

The play opened officially on May 19 at an event attended by numerous Cape Town notables and VIPs, including U.S. Consul General Erica Barks-Ruggles and visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Reuben Brigety.

Response to the play has been extremely positive with The Brothers Size winning rave reviews not only from theater goers, but also among local media, including a favorable review in the Daily Maverick.

The South African tour of this powerful, award-winning play is the result of collaboration between the Baxter Theatre Centre, the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Mannie Manim Productions and Syracuse Stage, with funding support provided by the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation and the U.S. Mission to South Africa.

The Brothers Size is at the Baxter Theatre Flipside until the 9th of June and then moves to the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, 14 June – 1 July