JANUARY will see the opening of the world première of Die Kaptein se Tier, Antjie Krog’s Afrikaans translation of Athol Fugard’s The Captains Tiger as part of the 2011 Suidoosterfees programme at the Fugard Theatre. The play will be directed by Janice Honeyman.
It will run from 19 to 29 January. The run will then be extended at the Fugard Theatre until 5 February.
This Afrikaans translation has been done by Krog specifically for the Suidoosterfees.
Die Kaptein se Tier will welcome Owen Sejake back on the Fugard Theatre’s stage as Donkeyman, a Swahili crew member of the SS Graigaur, the ship on which the play is set. Neels van Jaarsveldt and Erica Wessels are cast as The Tiger (Fugard, or “the author”, as a young man) and Betty (Fugard’s mother).
Actor and playwright Graham Weir, who co-wrote the popular Noah of Cape Town and starred in the movie adaptation of Fugard’s Boesman and Lena), will play “the author”, portraying Fugard as an older man.
Die Kaptein se Tier is the story of Athol Fugard as a young sailor who begins to pen his first novel onboard the SS Graigaur with the help of his muse – a picture of his mother – and his friend, the ship’s mechanic.
The play, based on Fugard’s actual experiences, is said to be one of his most personal. It is an autobiographical reflection of his attempts to come to terms with conflicting emotions over memories of his brave mother and flawed father.
Tickets can be booked at the Fugard Theatre or by calling the Fugard Theatre box office on 021-461-4554. The play will feature English surtitles.
