As die Tuig Skawe
As die Tuig Skawe ("When the harness chafes") is a full-length Afrikaans play by J.F.W. Grosskopf.
Contents
The original text
A play about the so-called "poor white" problem and Afrikaner farmers and other workers left destitute after the devastating impact of the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902), the First World War (1914-1918), the global flu pandemic (1918–1920)[1] and the ensuing global depression. Against this context, it tells the story of Gert and Krissie Obrein and their struggle to survive amid a nationwide drought and a time of financial ruin.
First produced by Paul de Groot in 1926, published by Nasionale Pers in 1926, with several reprints over the years.
Grosskopf was awarded the first Hertzog Prize for Drama in 1927 for As die tuig skawe and Drie Eenbedrywe which include In die Wagkamer, Die Spookhuis and Die Peswolk.
Translations and adaptations
In 2026 Lara Lourens adapted the play for modern audiences at the request of the FAK, modernising the dialogue and adding an explanatory prologue to give context to the work.
Performance history in South Africa
1926: First produced by Paul de Groot (1887-1942),
1948: Performed in Cape Town, directed by Leonie Pienaar for K.A.T. in September.
2026: Performed in the Arena at the Pretoria State Theatre as a part of an FAK project to promote attendance of Afrikaans theatre, it was produced by Third Law and directed by Lara Lourens (who had adapted the play for modern audiences). The cast features Lizelle Pike, Sallas de Jager, Jemma Volschenk, Kristin Naudé, Kaz McFadden, Christo de Beer and Luan Maartens.
Sources
Frederik Jacobus Nel 1972. Die Kaapstadse Afrikaanse Toneelvereniging, 1934-1962. Unpublished master’s thesis. Stellenbosch: University of Stellenbosch, p. 153.
https://maroelamedia.co.za/debat/meningsvormers/n-eeu-later-skawe-die-tuig-steeds/
A.J. Opperman. 2026. "1ste Hertzogprys-bekroonde drama herleef 100 j. later in Staatsteater", Netwerk24, 23 September, 2026.[2]
A.J. Opperman. 2026. "Eeu oue drama skaaf herkenbare temas raak", Netwerk24, 24 September, 2026.[3]
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