Theatre production Ek, Eva will be part of the many cultural activities taking place at this year’s Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK).
Ek, Eva delves into the facets of womanhood while uncovering the essence and representation of womanhood. The story introduces three women from varying social classes who meet and have their worlds coincide with each other.
While doing so, the women uncover common ground despite their contrasting backgrounds.
Although this is not the first time that the play will be performed, director Stephren Saayman, said the brand new cast gave the production a different feel.
“It is an evolving production. Although it started in 2018, the version people will see at KKNK differs from that one,” he said.
He added: “We recast and the cast all brought something new to the table and gave us something new to work with.”
Saayman, from Riversdale, works as a freelance artist who writes, acts and directs.
Choreographed by Wyatt Afrika, the production is dubbed a ‘workshop’ play as the cast and crew members have contributed to the final production.
Afrika is a freelance actor who often wears other hats including lighting and sound design and sound technician work.
Afrika said there has been changes to the production.
“Changing times mean changing art. We have to progress with the story and the characters. As a choreographer, I like to implement a lot of symbolism in the play,” he said.
He added: “What goes on in the character’s mind should flow within their body. As they transition their mindset, so does their body, and it flows through them.”
Saayman said they chose an explorative approach in creating the play.
“ I am the director but I don’t want to dictate the whole process. I can take so much from these artists to put in my toolbox,” he said.
Ek, Eva was previously performed at the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival and the Suidoosterfees.
Saayman said one of the challenges the cast faced was the requirement to be vaccinated.
“I respect everyone’s opinion but we had to recast those positions. It was stressful but it had to be done. We considered cancelling but this speed bump was something we overcame," he said.
Afrika said his challenge in production was ensuring that everyone’s perspective was seen and heard.
“In a workshop approach we take into consideration how everyone feels. That is very time-consuming, yet still a fruitful practice,” he said.
The pair both eagerly agreed that Ek, Eva is a show for the people.
“The show is not meant for one specific demographic, it is to be seen by young and old. It’s an experience that you can learn a lot from. You can learn about who women are and what they experience at the hands of those closest to them,” Afrika said.
“It is a fresh take on what you’ve seen in theatres on stages before. If you think about womanhood, you’re going to think about their oppression, hurt and pain. Yes, those elements exist but visually the elements are hip and pop while remaining traditional,” Saayman said.
Ek, Eva will be on show from Tuesday 29 March until Thursday, March 31. Tickets can be purchased on Webtickets.
March 29 until Sunday, April 3 in Oudtshoorn.