Difference between revisions of "The Unlikely Secret Agent"
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==The original text== | ==The original text== | ||
| − | Based on [[Ronnie Kasrils]]' Alan Paton Award-winning book of the same name ([[Jacana Media]], 2013), the production follows the remarkable journey of Eleanor Kasrils. Set in 1963 Durban amidst apartheid’s turmoil, Eleanor, an unassuming bookstore worker and single mother, becomes a clandestine operative for the ANC. When her lover, [[Ronnie Kasrils]], a wanted "terrorist", is pursued by authorities, Eleanor confronts the brutality of the Apartheid government's so-called Special Branch. Arrested, interrogated, and targeted by the Security Police, Eleanor must summon all her strength to protect her comrades and plan her escape. | + | Based on [[Ronnie Kasrils]]' Alan Paton Award-winning book of the same name ([[Jacana Media]], 2013), the production follows the remarkable journey of Eleanor Kasrils. Set in 1963 Durban amidst apartheid’s turmoil, Eleanor, an unassuming bookstore worker and single mother, becomes a clandestine operative for the ANC. When her lover, [[Ronnie Kasrils]], a wanted "terrorist", is pursued by authorities, Eleanor confronts the brutality of the [[Apartheid]] government's so-called Special Branch. Arrested, interrogated, and targeted by the Security Police, Eleanor must summon all her strength to protect her comrades and plan her escape. |
Adapted for the stage by [[Paul du Toit]] | Adapted for the stage by [[Paul du Toit]] | ||
Revision as of 17:03, 15 May 2024
The Unlikely Secret Agent is a play by Paul du Toit (1974-).
Contents
The original text
Based on Ronnie Kasrils' Alan Paton Award-winning book of the same name (Jacana Media, 2013), the production follows the remarkable journey of Eleanor Kasrils. Set in 1963 Durban amidst apartheid’s turmoil, Eleanor, an unassuming bookstore worker and single mother, becomes a clandestine operative for the ANC. When her lover, Ronnie Kasrils, a wanted "terrorist", is pursued by authorities, Eleanor confronts the brutality of the Apartheid government's so-called Special Branch. Arrested, interrogated, and targeted by the Security Police, Eleanor must summon all her strength to protect her comrades and plan her escape.
Adapted for the stage by Paul du Toit
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
2022: Produced by Unlikely Productions in the Bloemhof School Hall at the US Toyota Woordfees in Stellenbosch on 13, 15 and 16 October. Directed by Paul du Toit, with Erika Marais as Eleanor Kasrils, and an ensemble cast that includes Gideon Lombard, Wessel Pretorius, Carlo Daniels and Ntlanhla Kutu. Stage manager Salene Bekker, lighting design Daniel Galloway, music and sound design Jahn Beukes and technical direction Lize van Rooyen.
2024: Performed at the Market Theatre from 16 May to 2 June 2024. Directed by Paul du Toit, with Erika Breytenbach-Marais as Eleanor Kasrils, and an ensemble cast that includes De Klerk Oelofse, Wessel Pretorius, Sanda Shandu and Ntlanhla Kutu. Lighting design by Lize-Marie Wait, sound scape and design by Jahn Beukes and AV Design by Paul du Toit and Salene Bekker.
Awards
The play garnered a number of awards and nominations in 2022-2023, including Best Production and Best Director at the 2022 US Toyota Woordfees, a Fleur Du Cap Award for Best Director for Paul du Toit and a Fleur Du Cap Award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play for Carlo Daniels.
Sources
Toyota US Woordfees festival programme, 10-16 October, 2022: p. 84.
https://jacana.co.za/product/the-unlikely-secret-agent/
https://www.newslink.co.za/the-unlikely-secret-agent/
Go to ESAT Bibliography
Return to
Return to South_African_Films
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 South African Radio Plays and Serials
Return to South African Television Plays and Series
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
