Diepe Grond

(Lit: "Deep Ground", a play on the Afrikaans version of the saying "Still waters run deep"] by Reza de Wet. A disturbing metaphoric look at the Afrikaner psyche, a Gothic style story of incest, apparent madness and murder on a secluded farm. The play caused a sensation when it was first performed.

First published by HAUM-Literêr in 1987, then in the De Wet collection Vrystaat Trilogie ["Free State Trilogy"] in 1991 (HAUM-Literêr). Translated into English as (African Gothic *?*), (Run to Ground) *?* Dearth Deep Ground?* and published in the collection **** published by in 2000?*.

Productions

1984: First production at the Kampustoneel festival in by the Rhodes Unviersity Drama Department, directed by Denys Webb, with De Wet playing "Soekie", ***).

First professional performance at the Market Theatre in 1985, directed by Lucille Gillwald, with Susan Coetzer and Dawid Minnaar in the leads,

Other productions:

1986: Upstairs at the Market, directed by Lucille Gillwald, with Dawid Minnaar, Susan Coetzer, Gys de Villiers and Doris Simula.

1996: Produced in The Arena in the Nico Malan Theatre by CAPAB, directed by Marthinus Basson (assisted by Sandra Temmingh), with Nicola Hanekom, Chris Vorster, Jan Ellis and Pinky Ngxanga.

1999: Staged in the Hull Street Theatre in Kimberley, directed by Anel de Swardt, with de Swardt, Barry Strydom, Edwin Stanger and Ida Krohne.

Return to D

Return to South_African_Theatre/Plays

Return to Main Page