Award-winning performers and landmark art a headline August at Die Pienk Kerk
From one of the most celebrated works in English literature performed by six of South Africa’s most respected actors, to landmark art inspired by Johannesburg’s iconic Barbican Building and a PinkDrive fundraising pyjama party, Die Pienk Kerk and Gallery1903 are presenting an exceptional programme of theatre, visual art, comedy and community events throughout August.
Housed within the beautifully restored 1903 church in Richmond, Die Pienk Kerk has rapidly established itself as one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive cultural destinations, bringing together world-class theatre, visual arts, exceptional dining and community events under one roof. Alongside it, Gallery1903 continues to expand its programme of exhibitions celebrating South African artists while creating an exciting new destination for lovers of contemporary art.
The venue’s growing reputation was recently recognised on the national stage when Die Pienk Kerk was named runner-up in the Best Overall Guest Experience category at the South African Restaurant Awards, less than a year after opening its doors. The accolade recognised not only the quality of its food and service, but its unique combination of heritage, hospitality and cultural programming.
Founder Yanni Briel says:
“Receiving national recognition so soon after opening was incredibly humbling. It’s a tribute to our staff, our loyal community and everyone who has believed in what we’re trying to build here. It inspires us to keep raising the bar and creating experiences that people won’t find anywhere else.”
He adds:
“Our vision has always been to create a place where people can discover something different every time they visit. Whether it’s internationally celebrated literature, contemporary art, or a community fundraiser, we want people to leave inspired, entertained and already planning their next visit.”
Leading the August programme is one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the season.
One of the most celebrated works in English literature will be brought vividly to life when six of South Africa’s most respected performers present Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas’ beloved “play for voices“, in an intimate staged reading at Die Pienk Kerk on Saturday, 15 August and Sunday, 16 August. Tickets available via Quicket.
Performed in the atmospheric surrounds of the beautifully restored 1903 building, audiences will experience Thomas’ lyrical masterpiece as it was intended to be heard – through the power of exceptional voices, storytelling and imagination. The production combines literature, theatre and performance in a unique evening celebrating one of the twentieth century’s greatest poetic dramas.
The stellar cast features Kim Cloete, Tobie Cronjé, Ruda Landman, André Odendaal, Fiona Ramsay and Murray Todd – six performers whose combined careers span theatre, television, film, broadcasting and academia, and whose collective contribution to South African performing arts stretches across decades.
Written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood paints an unforgettable portrait of the fictional seaside village of Llareggub, where dreams, secrets, humour, longing and humanity unfold over the course of a single day. Rich in poetry, wit and compassion, the work remains one of the world’s most enduring theatrical classics and continues to captivate audiences nearly 75 years after it was first written.
Yanni Briel says:
“This is theatre in its purest form. With performers of this calibre, audiences experience something beyond storytelling – they create it in their own imagination. Every voice becomes a character, every word paints a picture, and the intimacy of Die Pienk Kerk makes that experience even more extraordinary.”
An extraordinary ensemble
Kim Cloete is one of South Africa’s most recognisable actresses and television presenters, known for acclaimed roles in Kelders van Geheime, Isidingo, Binnelanders and Wild at Heart. Equally accomplished on stage and screen, she brings warmth, versatility and impeccable comic timing to every performance.
Tobie Cronjé has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than four decades across theatre, television and film. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s finest character actors, he has appeared in countless productions and has received numerous awards, including recognition for his lifetime contribution to the performing arts.
Ruda Landman, one of South Africa’s most respected broadcasters and journalists, steps onto the stage in an acting role for the first time. Best known for decades of distinguished television presenting and interviewing, her appearance marks an exciting new chapter in an already remarkable career.
André Odendaal is an award-winning actor and director with more than thirty years’ experience across stage and screen. Most recently acclaimed for his performance in Bitter Winter, he has built a reputation for thoughtful, compelling performances and has also received lifetime achievement recognition for his contribution to theatre.
Fiona Ramsay is an acclaimed actress, director and academic whose distinguished career has encompassed theatre, television, opera and higher education. Audiences most recently saw her acclaimed performance as the Diva in The Opera Singer, further cementing her reputation as one of South Africa’s leading stage performers.
Murray Todd is an accomplished theatre, screen and voice artist whose versatility has seen him work extensively across performance mediums, bringing depth, intelligence and warmth to every role.
Collectively, the cast has received numerous theatre and television awards, with both Tobie Cronjé and André Odendaal honoured with lifetime achievement recognition for their outstanding contributions to South African theatre.
Described as “a highlight of the Clarens Festival” by RSG’s Kobus Burger, this special presentation promises an unforgettable evening for lovers of literature, theatre and exceptional performance.
Tickets include a delicious pre-show meal served approximately 90 minutes before curtain-up, with guests welcome to bring their own wine to enjoy during dinner.
The August programme continues with the opening of Looking Up (Again) at Gallery1903 on Thursday, 30 July.
Inspired by Johannesburg’s remarkable architectural heritage, the exhibition centres on acclaimed artist Nick Ferguson’s monumental drawing of the iconic Barbican Building, recently returned to the spotlight following its restoration. The exhibition explores architecture, memory and urban renewal while celebrating one of Johannesburg’s most recognisable landmarks.
Officially opened by renowned heritage architect Brian McKechnie, Looking Up (Again) marks another important step in Gallery1903’s ambition to become one of Johannesburg’s exciting new visual arts destinations, complementing the theatre, music and literary programme at Die Pienk Kerk.
The month concludes on Friday, 28 August, when Die Pienk Kerk swaps theatre seats for slippers as it hosts the Dream Big. Give Pink. Pyjama Party in support of PinkDrive and featuring Hannon Bothma. Affectionately known as South Africa’s original “Glam Guru“, this celebrated beauty maestro, television personality is the visionary co-founder of HANNON products. His extraordinary journey from a passionate young apprentice to an industry titan took a pivotal turn when he set out to combat premature ageing caused by the harsh South African climate. Collaborating with top researchers at Potchefstroom University, Hannon helped develop and extensively test high-performance, scientifically backed formulations.
Guests are encouraged to wear their favourite pyjamas, embrace a splash of pink and enjoy an evening of live entertainment, delicious food, art and community spirit, while helping raise funds for one of South Africa’s leading breast cancer awareness organisations. The event celebrates fun with purpose, supporting PinkDrive’s work in promoting early detection, education and mobile screening services across the country.
Together, the August programme reflects Die Pienk Kerk’s commitment to creating experiences that celebrate creativity in all its forms – from internationally acclaimed theatre and contemporary visual art to comedy and meaningful community initiatives.
Whether visitors come to discover Dylan Thomas, admire Johannesburg-inspired artwork, or to support the visual arts or an important cause, Die Pienk Kerk offers something memorable for every audience.
Tickets are available via Quicket and include a meal with is served 90 minutes prior to the performance. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine.
With previous performances selling out quickly, audiences are encouraged to book early.
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