NewFoundLand

Synopsis

Present-day South Africa

Jacques, an Afrikaans-speaking anesthetist, finds himself haunted by memories and dreams, especially those involving Sizwe, a dancer and student, who lies in a coma in the community hospital where Jacques works. The play oscillates between reality and surreal dreamscapes, blurring the lines as Jacques confronts his subconscious, grappling with his identity and past traumas.

In this evocative narrative, Jacques’ Canadian residence and the South African hospital become symbolic landscapes where inner and outer conflicts unfold. The dialogue between Jacques and Sizwe, both spoken and unspoken, reflects deeper societal issues and personal reckonings. Jacques’ interactions with other characters, such as his mother Nettie and the hospital pharmacist Mitchell, further illuminate his internal struggles and the complexities of his existence. NewFoundLand masterfully combines elements of psychological drama with cultural and spiritual undertones, creating a tapestry of human experience that is both profound and unsettling.