STIL
Date: 22 February–4 March
Time: 20:00
Venue: Momentum Theatre
Written by Jannes Erasmus
With Jannes Erasmus, Zöricke Snyman and Diani Gernandt
Set and lighting designed by Wilhelm Disbergen
Photography by Barry Swart
Graphic design by Sammy Shoots
“S T I L – The title doesn't give anything away. Without warning this production grabs you by the throat, drags you in, and doesn't let go before this wild ride is over” – Die Rekord.
Jannes Erasmus’ new play, STIL, opens at the South African State Theatre on 22 February 2017 and promises an evening of mystery, intrigue, guns and blood.
“It is about love. Love is supposed to be (un)selfish and (un)expected”. This is the essence of STIL. So says Jannes Erasmus, the PANSA award-winning writer and director about his new production. The production stars Erasmus himself, as well as best actress nominee, Zöricke Snyman, and Diani Gernandt.
STIL is an Afrikaans play and concerns the interrogation of a teacher who is suspected of a certain crime. How the thread unravels, and what other macabre details come to light, drive this tight-knit tale of love and despair to its shocking resolution. “The characters are ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary situation.” Who is the guilty party? Is our suspect sane? What is real? What is fantasy? Does a modern-day fairy tale with a happy ending even exist? “Come have a seat. You be the judge”, warns Erasmus.
This is no idle injunction as award-winning designer, Wilhelm Disbergen, has designed a set reminiscent of the Nuremberg trials – the entire audience sits at the interrogation table. In this way the audience becomes complicit in the interrogation – as much a part of the proceedings as any of the characters. Disbergen’s previous work at the State Theatre has received many nominations. In 2014, for example, he received an unprecedented five Naledi Theatre Award nominations; he won the award for best set design for Marikana – The Musical. Last year, in this same venue, he and Erasmus created the revolutionary As, a production still the talk of the town.
“STIL defies categorisation”, says Erasmus. “All we know is that there will be guns, blood, and roses.” Without giving any of the plot away, audiences will just have to judge for themselves. What better way to (anti)-celebrate Valentine’s month than with blood and guns?
Tickets cost R80 and can be booked at Computicket.
No children under 13 allowed as the play contains strong language and violence.
This production is made possible by the South African State Theatre Incubator Programme and is designed in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture to accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial artists, providing an array of business, technical, and developmental support. This programme’s main goal is to produce successful incubates who will leave the programme financially viable and freestanding.
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