Die Rebellie van Lafras Verwey

Die Rebellie van Lafras Verwey [“The Rebellion of Lafras Verwey”] is an Afrikaans drama by Chris Barnard. A compelling and popular radio drama, it was also adapted for the stage by the author. The play tells the story of a South African version of a Walter Mitty type figure, with tragic overtones.

The original text
First broadcast by the SABC on *** ,

First published by Tafelberg in 1971.

In 1970 the play was awarded the SABC/Belgian Radio and Television Prize. As radio play it received the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns prize in 1973 and the Idem Prize for the best text in the period 1970-1980.

Translations and adaptations
The text has been translated into Flemish, Dutch, English, Italian and has been broadcast by several European radio stations.

Performance history in South Africa
1972: Staged by PACOFS, directed by Gerrit Geertsema, starring Henk Hugo, Anton Welman and Trudie Taljaard.

1975: Staged by PACT, directed by Louis van Niekerk, with Tobie Cronje (Lafras), Annette Engelbrecht (Petra), Jan Engelen (Agent), Johan Malherbe (Smit & Sersant), Zack du Plessis (Klerk A), Cobus Visser (Klerk B), Gerben Kamper (Klerk C & Hennie), Harriet Pienaar (Dame), George Ballot (Man), Magda Beukes (Suster), Don Lamprecht (Karnavalbaas) and Andre Laubscher (Konstabel). Decor and costumes by Chris van den Berg.

1992: KRUIK Toneel produced an award-winning version of the play opening 7 May at the Nico Arena with Marthinus Basson as Lafras, George Ballot (Vaatjie), Francois Coertze, Neels Coetzee, Gys de Villiers, Mary Dreyer, Jan Ellis, Isabella Mostert, Taniya van der Merwe. Directed by Jannie Gildenhuys. Designs by Marthinus Basson, lighting design by Malcolm Hurrell, musical direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

2012: Staged by The Mechanicals at the Woordfees 2012, first in the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and then in the Little Libertas Theatre in Stellenbosch, directed by Albert Maritz, with Stian Bam, Tinarie van Wyk-Loots, Carel Nel, Nandi Horak, Wilhelm van der Walt, De Klerk Oelofse and Noxolo Bodlani. The same production was staged at the KKNK in 2013.

Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays

Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays

Return to PLAYS III: Collections

Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances

Return to South African Festivals and Competitions

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page