Kafka’s Ape is a recasting of the short story A Report to an Academy – where an ape named Red Peter has learned to act like a human, and is invited to present a report about his transformation at an academic conference. This production from a South African company features a remarkable performance by Toni Bonami Miyambo, which will trigger thoughts of what it means to be human and reflections on the darkest aspects of our country’s history.

Captured as a young ape and transported by sea in a crate, Red Peter finds himself trapped without the freedom to move at will for the first, terrifying time. Studying the habits of the crew, he learns to mimic them. He knows that freedom is impossible, but he seeks a way out. The need to survive has driven his adoption of human speech and habits, as he realises he would rather learn to perform than be consigned to captivity in a zoo. Ironically, the need for Red Peter to act ‘human’ is triggered by that most recognisably human desire to survive at all costs.

Bonami Miyambo’s performance is simply superb. He embodies the ape performing as a man. His movement is exceptional, all the crouching mobility and acrobatic athleticism of the ape with an array of grunts, snorts and squeals, yet integrated with the pulled upright posture and speech of the human. It is the most compelling performance you will see at this Fringe.

Therein lies much discomfort. It is impossible to watch this show in this country without our long history of colonisation, oppression and accompanying racism not just occupying the forefront of your mind, but banging on the inside of your skull. Here, on the day I attended, an all-White audience watches a Black man portraying an ape emulating a human.

It is a lot to unpack. Kafka’s Ape will leave you amazed at the sheer quality of the central performance, troubled by our not-too-distant history and current issues with racism, and reflecting on how all of us construct ourselves as humans.