Constellations is a Cosmic Love Story Coming to Theatre on the Square this Winter

Nick Payne’s Constellations is a spellbinding new stage production showing at the Theatre on the Square from 23 June to 11 July 2026. Presented by award-winning company, How Now Brown Cow, the show brings love and science together, molding a narrative that is simultaneously joyful and tragic.

Constellations Mwenya Kabwe (left) and Mark Elderkin (right) | What's on in Joburg — Mwenya Kabwe (left) and Mark Elderkin (right)

Love, science and fate collide in Constellations

Through a kaleidoscope of moments between two people, Constellations explores infinite realities in which love, science, choice and quantum theory converge to create various possibilities where hope or heartbreak may be the outcome, begging the question of whether or not love can prevail across every multiverse.

The story follows Marianne, a physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, who meet at a barbecue. From there, the possibilities are endless. They might hit it off and grab a drink together. They might go home together, or they might part ways. Perhaps their love story has a happy ending, or perhaps it is tragically cut short.

Constellations contemplates how even the smallest change in our lives can dramatically alter the course we take.

Constellations director Jay Pather Image by Michael Hammond | What's on in Joburg — Constellations director Jay Pather | Image credit: Michael Hammond

The team behind the production

This unique production is directed by industry leader and renowned choreographer Jay Pather (The Firebird; Bridling; Hold Still), with a stellar cast featuring Mark Elderkin (Speelgoed van Glas/The Glass Menagerie; Amadeus; A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Roland and Mwenya Kabwe (Hold Still; Yellowman; mAnJE! MaNje (an epic)) as Marianne.

Speaking about the production, Jay says, “We have all experienced an ‘if only’ moment. What if I had done something differently, said something else? Would it have worked out better?”

“Constellations is a remarkable play that evokes this human frailty through compelling text, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart wrenching that builds steadily with the inevitability of ancient ritual and Greek drama.”

How to book

Age advisory for Constellations is 14 and up.

Cost: R180 per pensioner; R220pp (general admission). Book via Webtickets

When: Running from 23 June to 11 July 2026 | Monday to Friday at 7.30pm; Saturday at 5pm and 8pm; Sunday at 3pm
Where: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, West St, Sandown, Sandton

Website: hownowbrowncow.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @hownowbrowncow_productions
Facebook: @hownowbrowncowproductions