‘Die Sideboard’ comes to stage
SOPHIATOWN – Afrikaans novel is adapted for a stage musical.
Author Simon Bruinders from Sophiatown has adapted his debut novel for the stage.
The gripping Afrikaans novel Die Sideboard is now a musical based on a true story of an Afrikaner family.
He said this original South African story is told with empathy, pathos and humour.
Bruinders said the production boasts 12 actors and four dancers from Sophiatown, Westdene and Melville.
“The book itself has been extremely well received and being read on the Afrikaans radio stations,” said Bruinders.
Television actor and presenter Duncan Johnson (the character Abraham) and 7de Laan actress Chantal Stanfield (Stella) are seen as the lead characters with Venessa Lee as the narrator.
Other actors include Zak Hendrikz, André Terblanche and Karle Briedenham.
Bruinders said the musical tells a story of an illiterate Abraham de Bruin learning to sign his name as he wants to marry a teacher Stella.
Abraham dreams of a small farm where he can grow crops and have children.
Abraham’s journey starts in George, just before World War II.
“He joins the war on a promise of land for the soldiers, with his brother Stanley,” said Bruinders.
During the war, Abraham starts a lifelong friendship with Kobus Venter (André Terblanche), an Afrikaner who has his own problems at home.
Kobus is ostracised by his own family for daring to fight with the English, who previously brought so much hardship to the Afrikaners during the
Anglo-Boer War.
Bruinders said during the second Battle of El Alamein, Kobus is almost killed and Abraham saves his life. He is nursed by Karin Onselen (Karlè Briedenham) and they find love in a hopeless place.
“After the war, Abraham continues his life’s journey with his sideboard – the “house alaar” which he made for Stella on their wedding anniversary,” said Bruinders.
The production will show at Carnival City on 4 – 8 November, Pretoria State Theatre from 17 – 21 November, Worcester Town on 9 December, George Civic on 10 December and Paarl Taalmonument on 11 December.
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