Internationally acclaimed Gold Ovation Award winner The King Of Broken Things  is a bittersweet journey into the broken heart of a young boy who teaches us that the rehabilitation of things broken and discarded gets to include people and hearts and how all things, seen and unseen, can be mended. 

The show touches on ancient Japanese traditions, mythology, and dreams, and reminds us of the magic that we so easily forget is everywhere. The King of Broken Things is a timely reminder to us all to think about the world and the repercussions of our actions, our thoughts, and the things we say. And how we mere mortals would do well to dwell more on the magic words – imagine, believe and dream.

Cara Roberts (see more info below), the performer in the show has this to say, “The feedback we get after every show leaves me on a high for weeks, it’s so exciting to get the opportunity to spread our magic into the wider world”.

"The King of Broken Things is profound, poignant and beautifully acted." Estelle Sinkins (Natal Witness)

"Strongly recommended…..The King of Broken Things is one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in a while) Billy Suter, (Sosuterbill)

“The King of Broken Things” is a truly mesmerising piece of theatre…don’t dare miss it." Barry Meehan (Artsmart)

Whether you’re 8 or 80, The King of Broken Things will rehabilitate every heart. 

Cara Roberts (Performer) - is an actress born in Johannesburg, currently residing in Durban. She has graced many a screen and stage since her first on-screen appearance in Durban Poison as the female lead in 2012. She played Renee in Fynbos and Mark Read in Black Sails (Season 4). Cara has made appearances in many local and international films and music videos. She moved to Durban to further her theatre career. She was introduced to the city by Think Theatre, a company producing Shakespeare’s works which the matriculants are studying. She has played the role of Desdemona in Othello for six years; and the role of Ophelia in Hamlet for the last three. The King of Broken Things is her first solo piece, where she plays a young boy struggling with the absence of his father. The show has been performed at the Hilton Arts Festival and the Umtiza Festival, garnering many accolades. It was written and directed by lighting and theatre genius Michael Taylor-Broderick. Cara has starred as Fern and Gussy the Goose in Kickstarts production of Charlotte’s Web. She has also performed in children’s theatre – A Froggie Fairytale and The Great Big Enormous Turnip; and extended her puppetry talents, creating The Place of Small Miracles, along with Bryan Hiles and Michael Taylor-Broderick, which spins a beautiful tale using direct contact and shadow puppetry, music, and visual effects.

Audience Responses

great solo acting!

It was a wonderful experience to have attended this performance and the playwright and actress were amazing. It was particularly moving play for me because my late Father spent time in Italian and German war camps during second world war but, fortunately for my Mom, my brother and me he returned. Thank you so much Sue. Love Gen

It was a wonderful experience to have attended this performance and the playwright and actress were amazing. It was particularly moving play for me because my late Father spent time in Italian and German war camps during second world war but, fortunately for my Mom, my brother and me he returned. Thank you so much Sue. Love Gen

It was a wonderful experience to have attended this performance and the playwright and actress were amazing. It was particularly moving play for me because my late Father spent time in Italian and German war camps during second world war but, fortunately for my Mom, my brother and me he returned. Thank you so much Sue. Love Gen

Loved the show, thanks

Thought-provoking, interesting, well-acted. Brilliant set. Had tears in my eyes when I left.

Loved it!

Loved it!

An excellent play - beautiful setting, excellent writing and a wonderful actress.

I loved this play ❤️😭

An incredible piece of theatre! A truly thought provoking piece that has the ability to resonate with every individual in a different way! Such a wonderful evening!

An exceptionally good production with content apt for today’s times. Well written, directed and performed..

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

Extremely thought provoking and clever. Great to watch live theatre again.

oh, lots of comments! How wonderful and talented the actress is; the clever set and lighting; great script (although the moral was pushed a little too much towards the end - just a smidgen). Most of the audience had wet eyes at the end, including me. Her energy was fabulous and I loved how she was so comfortable with the silences - the 'can you...' moments were little gems of timing; and the occasional twisted hand was perfection. Absolutely great.

oh, lots of comments! How wonderful and talented the actress is; the clever set and lighting; great script (although the moral was pushed a little too much towards the end - just a smidgen). Most of the audience had wet eyes at the end, including me. Her energy was fabulous and I loved how she was so comfortable with the silences - the 'can you...' moments were little gems of timing; and the occasional twisted hand was perfection. Absolutely great.

A great thought provoking show which speaks to all walks of life and tackles the issues everyone is going through in this strange new world of ours. Well done !!

Really good. Sitimulated thought.

An unforgettable and clever piece of theatre, poignant and heartfelt. A creative set brings back so many memories and an actress who bursts with life and energy with each and every performance.

An unforgettable and clever piece of theatre, poignant and heartfelt. A creative set brings back so many memories and an actress who bursts with life and energy with each and every performance.

Absolutely Loved it!!!

I missed some of the dialog, but that may have been my hearing.... Her acting was superb!

Awesome mind blowing

Awesome mind blowing

Awesome mind blowing