Gothic Afrikaans drama explores obsession and escape at State Theatre

The South African State Theatre (SAST) will stage As die Tuig Skawe, an Afrikaans drama reworked with a modern gothic sensibility, at its Arena venue in Pretoria from 23 to 27 September.

The play is set in an isolated, sun-baked stretch of post-war South Africa and centres on Krissie O'Brien, a woman whose marriage has become defined by endurance rather than affection. Her husband, Gert, clings to hopes of stability and renewal even as Krissie is worn down by years of disappointment and self-denial.

The couple's fragile equilibrium is disrupted by the return of Fred Moller, a wealthy and possessive former suitor whose reappearance reopens old longings. As he inserts himself into the marriage's weak points, a single fraught weekend sees desire tip into obsession and the story edge towards tragedy.

Lara Lourens directs a cast led by Kaz McFadden as Fred, Sallas De Jager as Gert and Lizelle Pike as Krissie, with Christo Beer and Kristin Naudé rounding out the principal roles as Teuns and Marie respectively. The production is billed as a study in psychological tension and confinement, built around the question of what happens when the pull towards a different life can no longer be resisted.

Production details

• Production: As die Tuig Skawe
• Venue: Arena, South African State Theatre, Pretoria
• Genre: Drama
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Age restriction: 13

Show times

• 23 September – 18:30
• 24 September – 11:00 & 15:00
• 26 September – 11:00 & 14:00
• 27 September – 14:00

Bookings: Webtickets and the SAST Box Office