Jannie du Toit brings music of Koos to life at Mardi Gras Theatre
Afrikaans cabaret stalwart Jannie du Toit’s celebrated stage production, Doep is Nie Dood Nie, will be staged for a limited period in Carnival City’s Mardi Gras Theatre, later this month.
This is a tribute to the late Koos du Plessis.
Born in Springs and educated at the town’s Hugenote High School, du Plessis tragically died at a relatively young age, 32 years ago, but has left behind a wealth of wisdom in his impressive oeuvre of songs and other writings.
His song about his hometown titled Molberge – herinneringe aan Springs, is a beautiful song with a text that is regarded by critics as high literature: a philosophical view on a mining town with a heart of gold.
Du Toit’s stage production emphasises how relevant Koos Doep’s take on life and his remarkable creative output remains three decades later.
Through Doep is Nie Dood Nie, du Toit continues to perpetuate the work of his late friend by introducing it to a new generation.
The production is generously supported by Clover South Africa and the Nelspruit Innibos Arts Festival.
Carl Theunissen, former journalist, friend and colleague of du Plessis, compiled and directed the show, and whiz kid Clinton Zerf is the arranger and musical director.
Susan Mouton, principal cellist of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and pianist Coenraad Rall, with du Toit on guitar, form the musical ensemble.
Doep is Nie Dood Nie, which received positive reviews during its opening season at the Oudtshoorn Arts Festival, as well as festivals in Nelspruit, Potchefstroom and Grahamstown, features the formidable body of songs and other texts written by the late du Plessis, who is regarded by many as the Bob Dylan of Afrikaans music.
The production will run at the Mardi Gras Theatre on April 29 and 30 at 8pm, and on May 1 at 6pm.
