The Suitcase arrives at Northern Stage

Timi and his pregnant wife Namhla leave their rural home for the bright lights of the big city. The

newly married couple hope to make their fortune but the reality of unemployment hits them hard.  One day a desperate Timi makes a life-changing decision when he steals a suitcase left on a bus.  

Written and set in 1950s South Africa, Es’kia Mphahele’s short story The Suitcase is based on a true story and this stage adaptation by directorJames Ngcobo explores the dramatic twists and turns and frightening consequences of Timi’s impulsive action.

The music composed for The Suitcase attracted Bebop Spoken Here’s interest. The composer… Hugh Masekela. The great South African trumpeter wrote the music for the Johannesburg Market Theatre’s 2012 production to celebrate the opening of the new Soweto Theatre. At Northern Stage, Masekela’s music will be performed live by on-stage musicians.

The Market Theatre, Johannesburg production is presented in association with Hull Truck Theatre, Northern Stage, Derby Theatre, The Dukes Lancaster, and Playhouse Liverpool. This Newcastle leg of the tour is part of Freedom City 2017, a major celebration and commemoration of the visit to Newcastle by Martin Luther King. Fifty years ago, on 13th November 1967, Newcastle University awarded Dr King an honorary degree. The historic ceremony took place in King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, a stone’s throw from University Theatre, later renamed Newcastle Playhouse, now known as Northern Stage.    

The Suitcase at Northern Stage runs from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 September. For details of performance times and tickets visit: www.northernstage.co.uk

Russell