It's finally making it’s way to Durban – the love story of one of South Africa’s top writers, Can Themba, will take to the Playhouse stage next week, in a production entitled Crepuscule.
The award-winning show will bring to life the romance between Themba and Jean Hart, a white woman, in the 1950s in Sophiatown.
The production received six Naledi Theatre award nominations and won best director last year.
The short story Crepuscule (which means “twilight”) was written by Themba in the 1970s, based on his personal experiences, and was adapted for the stage by director Khayelihle Dom Gumede.
In the play, Jean’s name has been changed to Janet.
Themba, who died in 1968, is well known in writing and journalism circles, having worked at the Drum magazine, using the media to expose the impact of apartheid. Crepuscule is one of many short stories in The Will to Die, published in the 1970s, and includes his other well known short story, The Suit.
Kate Liquorish, who plays Janet, said Durban audiences will love the production.
“It’s a beautiful story, and humanises what people went through in those days. The magic of Sophiatown comes alive on stage and it’s a story that will attract and appeal to everyone,” said Liquorish, an accomplished stage and movie actress.
“It tells of this beautiful doomed love story in a difficult time. All the songs are sung a capella and it’s really wonderful to watch. This production is a portal to a time in South African history, but without the histrionics, it showcases the personal story,” she said.
Apart from acting, Liquorish is also a food blogger, and hopes to take some foodie inspiration from Durban if she gets a chance to between shows.
The cast for Crepuscule includes Nat Ramabulana, who plays Themba; Lerato Mvelase as Baby/Kleinboy; Nhlanhla Mahlangu as Stan; Matthew Lotter as Malcolm, and Thami Ngoma as Ous Lethabo/Mama Dora/Sis Pretty.
Crepuscule kicks off the New Stages season, and Playhouse Company CEO and artistic director, Linda Bukhosini, said New Stages was about celebrating authentic South African works that were entertaining, creative, original and thought provoking.
“Crepuscule is one of those works which tick all these boxes. What’s more, this is a work by a celebrated author and playwright.
“This year marks 50 years since Can Themba’s passing and having one of his works on our stage is an honour at this time.
“This is also an award-winning play, from Gauteng’s Market Theatre, and we want KZN not to miss this opportunity to see it first-hand,” she said.
The Playhouse, by arrangement with Dalro, presents Crepuscule in the Playhouse Loft Theatre from May 3 –7. School performances at 11am on May 3–5, R30 per pupil, call 031 369 9407. Public performancesat 7.30pm on May 5; 2pm and 7.30pm on May 6, and at 2pm on May 7. Tickets R80, from Computicket or Shoprite Checkers.