Seatavern

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, the critically acclaimed rom-com by Sam Steiner, made its South African debut in Cape Town in 2024. This tender and thought-provoking production explores the power of language, restraint, and human connection in a world where words are limited.

In a world where spoken language is restricted to a set number of words, the choices we make about what we say—or withhold—take on profound meaning. Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons follows Oliver and Bernadette, two people grappling with the limits of communication and the impact it has on their relationship. Hilarious yet poignant, the play explores what happens when we can no longer speak freely and how humans continue to communicate through actions, body language, and the spaces between words.

Originally premiering in 2015, Sam Steiner’s play has since gained international acclaim, including a major revival in London’s West End in 2023. It has been performed around the world and remains a favourite for its witty yet deep exploration of love, communication, and the human condition.

Cast and team: Performed by Jessie Diepeveen and Max du Toit, written by Sam Steiner and directed by Henu Baden. By arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Director’s Note by Henu Baden:“Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is about restraint. In a world where spoken language is restricted what you choose to spend your words on, or what words you choose to withhold become of equal significance.

I was instantly hooked by this premise when my friend Jessie Diepeveen placed the play on my bedside table (about a year ago) without a word, knowing very well that I would read it. A simple wordless gesture is why we are sat in this theatre today.

Our intention with this text was always to show off the actors and their endless potential. It simply is a performers script and therefore I wanted to strip back all the theatrical elements and focus on the multiple ways humans communicate. Whether it be body language, breathe, eye contact, proximity & space, all hoping to answer one question: Do actions indeed speak louder than words?”