La Ronde: A Provocative Look at Love and Power in Contemporary Society

Nothing is quite as it seems in Arthur Schnitzler’s provocative play, La Ronde, directed by Leila Henriques, on the Baxter Studio stage this winter.

Written in 1897 by Austrian author and dramatist, Schnitzler’s La Ronde is a story of ten characters from different parts of society, all searching for escape and connection through sex.

Henriques locates the story in 2025 with an all Fleur du Cap award-winning cast and creative team. The dynamic cast comprises The Baxter’s resident Fire’s Burning company; Awethu Hleli, Lyle October, Tamzin Daniels, Nolufefe Ntshuntshe and Carlo Daniels, along with Berenice Barbier and Aidan Scott.

Crystal Finck is the assistant director and choreographer, set design is by Patrick Curtis, costume design by Wolf Britz, lighting design by Franky Steyn and music curation by Keir Mantzios.

In a world obsessed with visibility, image and performance, this modern adaptation of La Ronde probes a world where intimacy is currency, sex is a calculated strategy and everyone is performing for someone.

La Ronde is French for the round and refers to a dance performed in circle formation. It also  means ‘from one person to another’ and creates the perfect metaphor for Schnitzler’s play, driven by raw physicality, pulsating contemporary music and visceral dance. It takes a funny, provocative look at relationships now, delving into the complexities of power, desire and the relentless pursuit of connection. Through the ten characters and ten intimate encounters,  it offers a sharp look at who holds power, who is exploited and who is seen.

La Ronde is set in contemporary Cape Town and seen through the eyes of a DJ who finds the perfect track to cover each smooth or clumsy sexual encounter. 

“We become involved with these ten characters in the play, all from different walk of life, all in search of something more, any kind of escape and intimacy through each other,” said Henriques. 

“The play is funny, awkward and often poignant, as we watch how the characters chase love. It is a deeply human story and anyone who has ever pursued love will be able to recognise themselves in it,”

Playwright Arthur Schnitzler is regarded as one of the most significant representatives of Viennese Modernism. His works, which include psychological dramas and narratives, dissected 19th century bourgeois life in Vienna. The sexual content of his works was considered controversial and were banned at the time.

Over the years at The Baxter, Henriques was seen in Curse of the Starving Class, directed by Sylvaine Strike. She directed The List and Hani, which won a Golden Ovation award at the Grahamstown Festival.

The entire La Ronde cast is a Fleur du Cap award-winning ensemble. Earlier this year, the Baxter’s Fires Burning Company won the Best Ensemble award for Metamorphoses, while Aidan Scott clinched the Best New Director acknowledgement for The Dumb Waiter. In 2023 Berenice Barbier walked away as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Honey in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

La Ronde runs for a limited season from June 20 to July 12, 2025 at 8pm, with Saturday matinees at 3pm. There is an age restriction of 16 years and parental guidance is advised. Booking is through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores.

Cape Times