I walked into Dear Evan Hansen not knowing what to expect. Other than the glowing reviews I’d read in my Instagram feed, all I knew was that the show had the reputation of being a big deal overseas. I walked out of the theatre reminded of the undeniable fact that we’re never as alone as we may think.
The show is an unfiltered exploration of loneliness, mental health, and the universal craving for connection. Let’s not sugarcoat it: it’s a heavy show, tackling themes of anxiety, depression and suicide, but it does so with tenderness, wit, and a thread of hope that lingers long after the curtain falls.
The set design was simply #jeannieous; with rotating scenes, evocative screen graphics, and a live band that remains unseen until the very end. The production level is visually stunning and sonically mesmerising while the way that digital elements are included in the story on stage mirrors how we all exist in a world of notifications, DMs, and online footprints.
This isn’t just an incredible experience: it’s an incredible South African experience. Every piece of it, from direction to design, from tech to cast, is all-local. A homegrown masterpiece, and that fact alone deserves a standing ovation.
For me, the show landed at an eerily relevant time. I’ve been wrestling with my own headspace, and somehow, through the weight of its themes and the warmth of its message, Dear Evan Hansen offered a sense of being seen and held. I left Artscape feeling lighter. Hopeful. Inspired, even. And that, I suppose, is the greatest testament to its power.
