Meet Brett de Groot
The 23-year-old Northcliff resident, who coined a show that started off as a two-man show in 2011, is now on numerous theatre productions showcasing his talent.
Former Trinityhouse pupil Brett de Groot is the writer, producer, director and performer in a show called Simply Broadway which will be returning to the Joburg Theatre on 10 to12 October.
“The show first began at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival while I was studying at Rhodes University, and was consequently scouted and requested to be brought over to the Joburg Theatre,” says the Northcliff resident.
According to De Groot, the show illustrates the history of Broadway but the songs have been altered.
“I thought there are songs that some people have never heard before but capture the essence of Broadway, so I decided to do this five-man show because I want people to enjoy the same ,” he says.
The two-hour-long show promises to be a great deal of fun.
“It is a feel-good show and a way to escape. It is like stand-up comedy and guests are included in the show. It will be very exciting,” he adds.
The 23-year-old artist has written two other shows which he hopes to perform for an audience within the next two years.
De Groot, however, acknowledges that the arts industry needs someone with thick skin.
“It is a tough industry and the reward in money is not enough. If you do this you do it for the love and not money,” he says.
According to De Groot, performing arts in South African are very tough. Auditioning is strenuous and getting a foot in the industry may be a daunting experience.
This passionate artist looks up to numerous artists.
“I adore the likes of Jonathan Rouxmouth, Angela Killian, Johnny Deep, Meryl Streep, Michael Jackson and Beyonce Knowles because they are very good at what they do and they do it with passion, ensuring that their audiences are kept captivated,” says De Groot.
De Groot began acting at the age of two.
“I come from an acting family so I started very young. Music came along when I was 18. I have been able to get to where I am because of the support I get from my family. They have attended all my performances,” he concludes.
Details: Brett de Groot brettwesleydegroot@gmail.com
