Your favourite Dude, Dean September, is back in “Dude! Wa’s My Phone?”. Award-winning Jeremeo Le Cordeur writes and performs in this production by Vulture Productions, set to run at Artscape from 4 to 8 June 2024, coinciding with National Youth Day celebrations.
THE STORY
When Dean September discovers his missing phone, the young entrepreneur embarks on a journey filled with comedy, tragedy, and technology as he retraces his steps. With the support of his friends, voiced by Dean Dorvan Balie, Veronique Jephtas, Lee Roodt, Chenal Kock, and a special appearance by #OumaLilly, Dean quickly realizes that his world no longer makes sense without his phone.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Dude! Wa’s My Phone? targets young people enrolled in or passionate about Dramatic and Creative Arts. This demographic is specifically chosen for its relatable themes, cultural insights, and ability to engage and educate individuals deeply connected with the challenges and opportunities of digital technology. This production isn’t merely a play; it’s a journey into the heart of today’s digital world, tailored for young audiences. From exploring the highs and lows of digital consumption to delving into the concept of virtual phone addiction, “the performance sparks essential conversations about our relationship with technology.
HISTORY
This production follows the resounding success of Dude! Wa’s My Bakkie? – which earned Jeremeo the noteworthy NATi Rising Star Award at Suidoosterfees in 2019. Dude! Wa’s My Phone? has been developed with the support of KKNK (Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees), Suidoosterfees and NATi (Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-Inisiatief), and has subsequently been staged at KKNK, Suidoosterfees, Toyota Woordfees, and The Baxter Theatre.
The theme song for “The Dude! Wa’s My Phone?” was penned and performed by Kay Kinetic, a Rymkletser/Producer hailing from Paarl. The set was crafted by Gaerin Hauptfleisch and Art Magic Projects, with Kaylin Leigh Khan overseeing the stage and technical aspects. Darion Adams curated Choreography, and SeenPha provided costumes.
DATES AND TICKETS
The show is suitable for ages 10 and up and will run at The Artscape Arena from 4 to 8 June 2024, with evening performances at 19:30 and a matinee on Saturday, June 8th, at 15:00. The performance duration is 65 minutes. Tickets can be purchased through Webtickets.
Vulture Productions (VP)
Vulture Productions, under the leadership of creative visionary Jeremeo Le Cordeur, has soared its way to becoming a beacon of innovation in South Africa’s performing arts scene. This independent production and design company has carved out a unique niche by fearlessly challenging conventional norms and presenting edgy, thought-provoking productions. Their work is more than just entertainment; it’s a collective that seeks to engage and nurture the next generation of audiences and artists alike.
Our recent works include the award-winning Dude! Wa’s My Bakkie! which we were invited to perform at the National Arts Festival in 2023 after winning the Ovation Award for our production Ouma Lily en Haar Klong at the virtual festival in 2021. The former show’s sequel, Dude! Wa’s My Phone! has also delighted audiences at various festivals across the country. These works exemplify Vulture Productions’ commitment to addressing contemporary issues in an entertaining and educational manner.
As a versatile production company, we have also collaborated with artists such as comedian Wayne Mackay in Afrisnaaks (2023/24), Khadija Heeger in Beyond the Bluff (2023), and Clayton Evertson in Forgive the Devil (2015). One of our most successful collaborations to date has been with Chenal Kock for the production of Mama, a unique character-piece in Afrikaaps that our founder and Kock adapted for stage while representing the Artscape Theatre at the European Volunteer Service programme in Liverpool in the UK. This production toured the country and was nominated for Best National Fringe Production at the 2018 Vrystaat Arts Festival.
Writer / Performer: Jeremeo Le Cordeur
Jeremeo is an award-winning arts and entertainment professional with over a decade of experience in several sectors of the cultural and creative industries in South Africa and abroad. He hails from the Boland town of Wellington in the Western Cape and has served in various capacities since graduating from City Varsity’s School of Media and Creative Arts in 2008.
His professional expertise ranges from writing and directing award-winning productions, to capturing the world of performing arts through his camera’s lens.
This year (2023), Jeremeo co-plays the role of MC in the Kyknet Films & Go2 Content film Ouma Olive. Last year, he appeared in various television commercials and played the role of Marno Venter in the popular telenovela Arendsvlei. During this period, Jeremeo also worked as a voice over artist, director and social media/marketing professional for various clients.
In 2021, his video production Ouma Lilly en Haar Klong featured on DSTV in the Toyota US Wordfees after receiving a prestigious 2020 Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award at the first online digital NAF. Another noteworthy accolade is the NATi Rising Star Award at the 2019 Suidoosterfees for Jeremeo’s vibrant storytelling in two monodramas — Jerry, an Unconventional Hero and Dude, Wa’s My Bakkie? — which were offered as a double feature at Suidoosterfees and other festivals.
Choreographer: Darion Adams
Darion (they/them) is the Founder of The AIM Society, an organisation that aims to contribute to the cultural landscape of Manenberg and surrounding communities by producing art spaces where the community is exposed, engaged and educated.
They are a freelance independent artist, dancer, dance educator, choreographer, project coordinator and facilitator. Their work is currently focused on giving expression to their queer identity as a person of colour. As a UCT Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies and Jazzart Dance Theatre graduate, Darion uses dance as a tool to bring together other art forms to challenge, relearn and shift narratives around identity politics and heritage.
Darion is a recent graduate of the Cultural Producers Program presented by Business and Arts South Africa, Common Purpose and the Manchester International Festival.
Recent performances include Nelisiwe Xaba’s F.A.K.E NEWS, Unmute Dance Company’s performance of TIMELAPSE at the Market Theatre for the Goethe Institute – A gathering for a better world. They have also recently hosted a #FiveFilmsForFreedom Queer Watch Party in partnership with the British Council, Friends and Family Agency and Business and Arts South Africa.
Stage Manager: Kaylin Leigh Khan
Kaylin Leigh Khan, a native of Mitchell’s Plain, has always been a standout performer since childhood, taking on lead roles such as Snow White and Annie in school concerts. With 11 years of dancing experience starting from the age of 5, Kaylin is a versatile talent. Her pride swelled from her graduation in Professional Acting at City Varsity, where she honed her skills in singing, dancing, and acting, earning her the moniker of a triple threat.
In 2015, Kaylin embarked on her journey in Theatre Production at Baxter Theatre, beginning her career as a Stage Manager. Eight years later, she continues to flourish as a freelancer. Her portfolio boasts a diverse range of productions and festivals, including notable works like Marc Lottering’s Aunty Merle the Musical and various stand-up shows. From Die Moeder to Remembering the Lux, Santa Ghamka, Krismis Van Map Jacobs, and engagements with Woordfees, KKNK, and the Makhanda National Arts Festival, Kaylin’s contributions have left an indelible mark.
Kaylin’s commitment to community and youth development through the arts is unwavering. Her ultimate dream is to offer her community members exposure to the magic of theatre, providing them with invaluable opportunities to experience its transformative effects first-hand.
