Afrikaans pantomime returns to The South African State Theatre in July: Apoestertjie is back!

Come and be part of the magical world of fantasy and fairytale at THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE from 5 to 28 JULY, where the classic story of Cinderella returns to the Opera stage as the Afrikaans pantomime, ASPOESTERTJIE.

Receiving 5-star reviews and widely heralded as “true distilled storytelling which draws you in and tugs at your heart” with a “well written, witty text, music befitting each scene and stellar performances,” it sold out within days and was nominated for nine Naledi Awards in 2015, including “Best Musical”.

The production boasts big names in the South African entertainment industry, both on and off the stage.

Stunning songbird KARLIEN VAN JAARSVELD once again brings her own energy and sparkle to the title role, this time starring opposite multi-talented actor ZAK HENDRIKZ (BALLADE VIR ’N ENKELING, INTO THE WOODS, BINNELANDERS) as the handsome Prince. Known for his wide variety of roles in film, TV and theatre, FEZILE MPELA (THE LION AND THE JEWEL, DIS EK ANNA, DONKERLAND, GETROUD MET RUGBY)  plays the Narrator and loyal friend to his beloved Cinderella.

Showing off her captivating skill as actress MARLEE VAN DER MERWE (GETROUD MET RUGBY, LIEFLING, CABARET, PRETVILLE) perfectly captures both the subtle nuances and raw power of the Wicked Stepmother, and the fantastically funny duo TIAAN RAUTENBACH and MORTIMER WILLIAMS as the Ugly Stepsisters will delight kids and grown-ups alike!

In charge of weaving the magic and music is Director NEELS CLASEN and Musical Directors WESSEL ODENDAAL and CLINT LESCH, under the banner of Add-Life Productions and in association with the South African State Theatre.

ASPOESTERTJIE has at its core an innocence that’s sweetly irresistible and yet deeply inspiring… not just for kiddies, but their parents and grandparents too.

ASPOESTERTJIE runs from 5 to 28 July 2019, with performances at 19:30 on Fridays, as well as 11:00 and 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are from only R160 and booking is through Webtickets or at any Pick ’n Pay store.

SYNOPSIS

ASPOESTERTJIE presents the timeless rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella in Afrikaans, in the true pantomime tradition (and with a lot of musical theatre elements thrown in)!

In this version, the two Ugly Stepsisters fulfil the roles of the Dame character. The story follows the traditional tale, with the Stepmother and the Ugly Stepsisters’ mistreatment of Cinderella; the faithful butler who is in love with her; Cinderella’s kindness to the old woman who turns out to be her Fairy Godmother; a magical transformation, the splendour of the Ball and the handsome Prince; the dramatic exit as the clock strikes midnight; the hunt for the slipper’s owner and the glorious happy ending.

With expertly performed mirth, magic and mayhem, it has proven to have all the right ingredients for a successful production!

MORE INFORMATION

  • Genre: Afrikaans Pantomime
  • Dates: 5 to 28 July 2019
  • Venue: The South African State Theatre Opera
  • Ticket prices: R160 – R250
  • Tickets available at: Webtickets or at any Pick ’n Pay store

LEADING CAST

  • Karlien van Jaarsveld (Aspoestertjie/Cinderella),  Fezile Mpela (Dun Daantjie/Narrator),  Zak Hendrikz (Prins Regardt Rolandt Rembrandt/Prince), Marlee van der Merwe (Ursula Koekemoer/Wicked Stepmother)

CREATIVE TEAM (2019)

  • Produced by: Add-Life Productions
  • Director: Neels Clasen
  • Choreographer: Jaco van Rensburg
  • Musical Directors: Wessel Odendaal and Clint Lesch
  • Set Designers: Renier Keyser and Nadine Minnaar

ABOUT ADD-LIFE PRODUCTIONS AND ASPOESTERTJIE

Nominated for nine Naledi Awards

ASPOESTERTJIE is produced by acclaimed local creative powerhouse Add-Life Productions, who since 2007 have become known for their beautifully crafted, original Afrikaans theatre productions: DORINGROSIE, SNEEUWITJIE, LIEFLING, DROOMKIND, DAWID, ESTER and HOUTKRUIS. They also produced the South African staging of BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, the Teatro Broadway concert FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS and the Phil Collins tribute show ONE MORE NIGHT. Their sustained critical and commercial success over the last decade has cemented their reputation as South Africa’s theatre producers to watch.

Wanting to revive the annual tradition of large-scale Afrikaans pantomimes in Gauteng, Renier and Lise-Marie Keyser of Add-Life Productions finally created ASPOESTERTJIE (Cinderella) in 2015 at Emperors Palace. Karlien van Jaarsveld made her stage debut in the title role, with Izak Davel as her Prince and Soli Philander as her best friend Dun Daantjie.

Receiving 5-star reviews  and widely heralded as “true distilled storytelling which draws you in and tugs at your heart” with a “well written, witty text, music befitting each scene and stellar performances,” it sold out within days and was nominated for nine Naledi Awards.

ORIGINAL CREATIVE TEAM (2015)

  • Producers: Renier Keyser and Lise-Marie Keyser (Nominated for Best Musical)
  • Scriptwriter: Cobus Venter
  • Director: Weslee Lauder (Nominated for Best Director)
  • Choreographer: Nicol Sheraton
  • Musical director: Machiel Roets (Nominated for Best Musical Director)
  • Set designers: Renier Keyser and Nadine Minnaar
  • Costume designer: Melissa van Eck (Nominated for Best Costume Design)
  • Lighting designer: Kevin Stannett
  • Sound designers: Ken Crossley and Larry Pullen (Nominated for Best Sound Design)

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE

The South African State Theatre houses the greatest performing arts facilities in Africa. It was the driving force behind the establishment of the performing arts in all spheres in South Africa. The Theatre today plays a leading role in the development of the performing arts, and is host to the colourful variety of entertainment found in the diverse cultures of our wonderful country.

The opening of the theatre complex in May 1981 was a milestone in South African theatre and marked the beginning of great things to come. In 2000 The Theatre re-opened as a receiving house and has been host to blockbuster shows like CATS, SARAFINA!, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, to name but a few. Today The South African State Theatre’s vision is to be the prestigious theatre of choice for a distinctly Pan-African experience. It has an important and necessary part to play in the daily lives of everyone and is definitely here to stay!