Jan 31—Feb 09, 2025
Life & Times of Michael K
A Baxter Theatre Centre and Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus Production / from South Africa
Get Tickets★★★★★
“Gripping, heart-rending
and perfectly-crafted.”
— The Scotsman
Life & Times of Michael K Media Partner
Intricate marionettes come alive to depict the trials and tribulations faced by Michael K and his mother as they seek to escape political turmoil.
Life & Times of Michael K is the celebrated adaptation of J.M. Coetzee’s award-winning novel from South Africa’s Baxter Theatre. Through Handspring Puppet Company’s inventive, stunning creations, the incredible, poignant journey of Michael K is brought to life in ways that have made critics and audiences alike call this show an absolute must-see.
This hauntingly beautiful story follows Michael K, a simple man who embarks on a journey through South Africa, ravaged by civil war, to return his mother to die on the farm where she was born. He finds strength in his own humanity, his profound connection to the earth, and his unique path, which, as it unfolds, reveals to him his reason for living.
Info
Venue
Emerson Paramount Center, Robert J. Orchard Stage
559 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111
Dates
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
Tickets
Tickets
Artists
Company
A Baxter Theatre Centre and Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus
The Baxter Theatre Centre is a vibrant, multicultural entertainment hub in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Nestled under the striking Devil’s Peak mountain and at the foot of the University of Cape Town, the Baxter boasts a world-class theatre and concert hall, as well as a studio stage, rehearsal rooms, offices, a restaurant and bars and an impressive spacious foyer.
Built in 1976, the Baxter was a pillar of hope during the apartheid era. By leveraging its strong relationship with UCT, the theatre was able to present multiracial, progressive work at a time when all other non-racial interactivity was banned or censored. The first interracial kiss ever on a South African stage took place during the Baxter’s first production of Miss Julie in 1985, while today our version of Mies Julie storms theatres all around the world.
Adapted and directed by
Lara Foot
In collaboration with
Handspring Puppet Company
Gallery
Photo Credit: Fiona McPherson
“A MARVEL TO BEHOLD. A Radical Artistic Gesture. Captivating and Transportive.”
— THE NEW YORK TIMES CRITIC'S PICK
“Extraordinary… dreamlike quality… beautiful… and yearning for purpose”
— THE NEW YORKER
“Everything that theater should be.”
— THE DAILY BEAST
January 10, 2025
Puppetry in Life & Times of Michael K
The art form of puppetry can evoke feelings of childhood, causing us to imagine childhood stories coming to life through small figures. But in the theatre, puppetry has been utilized...
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2025
Deep Dive into the Life & Times of Michael K with PRBC!
Whether you're a theater buff or someone who's never set foot in a playhouse, ArtsEmerson's Play Reading Book Club invites you to explore scripts, share insights, and connect with fellow...
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2025
Life & Times of Michael K Production Photos
Life & Times of Michael K will take the stage at the Paramount Center this January. This Baxter Theatre adaptation of J.M. Coetzee's novel features puppets created by the Handspring...
Read MoreDecember 10, 2024
What’s On in 2025?
The first half of our 24/25 Season has been a huge success with interactive theater, dance performances, and multimedia productions. The second half of the season, beginning in January 2025,...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2024
The 3 Day Sale is Back
ArtsEmerson's annual 3 Day Sale is back from Tuesday, December 10 through Thursday, December 12, giving you the chance to enjoy the biggest savings for our 2025 shows! For the next...
Read More