The script, traditionally performed as a monologue, was adapted to be read by six local actors: Daniel Barnett as Mike Daisey, Chi Mhende as Businesswoman, Andrew Roux as Computer Nerd, Jessica Sutton as Student, Bjorn Steinbach as Hipster, Candice van Listenborgh as Twenty-something, and Faniswa Yisa as Mama.
The panel for the afternoon featured playwright and critic Megan Furniss, Fleur du Cap's Marina Griebenow, filmmaker Matthew Kalil, ACT Cape Town's director Candice Michelle Poole and City Council and the DA's Rose Rau.
In February 2012, playwright Mike Daisey released a transcript of his monologue to the public and encouraged other actors and artists to adapt the piece and spread his message. Following an appearance on the American public radio programme, This American Life, it was revealed that several of the claims in his work were fabrications.
A firestorm of media attraction followed and The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs became as well known for its controversy as it was for its dramatic stories of Apple, Steve Jobs and Chinese labour practices. The re-imagining of the work from a single monologue to a fully fleshed out ensemble addresses the controversy surrounding the play and examines the lengths we go to expose the truth.
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs illuminates how Apple's technology shapes our lives and follows the trail all the way to China to investigate the factories where millions toil to make iPhones, iPods, iPads and Macs. The script shines a light on our love affair with our gadgets and the human cost of creating them.
Chase the Sun's next Play Club is a reading of Lend Me a Tenor and takes place on Sunday, 16 June. Tickets are available from Quicket.
