Diepe Grond

Diepe Grond (Lit: "Deep Ground") is an Afrikaans play by Reza de Wet (1952-2012).

The original text

The title derives from the Afrikaans version of the saying "Still waters run deep" and, in a subversive spin on a set of popular Afrikaans stories by Alba Bouwer (1920-2010)[1] , telling of an idyllic rural youth, De Wet's play becomes a Gothic style story of incest, apparent madness and murder on a secluded farm, which presents a disturbing but metaphoric look at the Afrikaner psyche, and explores issues of imposed morality and the dark forces that would underpin Apartheid. The play caused a sensation when it was first performed at the ATKV Kampustoneel.

Because De Wet had used the names of Bouwer's original characters, the play caused a strong reaction among people who recognized the reference and fondly remembered Bouwer's work. This led to a threat of legal action from the author, which almost derailed the first professional production, to be done by the Market Theatre. However, the case was settled out of court when De Wet agreed to change the names of the characters. (see Terblanche, 2016).

The text was published by HAUM Literêr in 1986, and is dedicated to the Afrikaans playwright Bartho Smit.

It was also published in the collection Vrystaat Trilogie by HAUM Literêr in 1991.

Translations and adaptations

The play has been translated into English by Reza de Wet, under a number of names. Among them Deep Ground, Run to Ground and African Gothic.

There have been two short films based on Diepe Grond, one directed by Eubulus Timothy and filmed in California in Spanish, and the other won Best Short Film at The Venice Film Festival for director Etienne Kallos.

There was a full length film version directed by and starring Damon Shallit that screened at the Grahamstown Festival.

There is interest from a very talented young South African film maker in making another full length film of this fascinating and disturbing tale so much to look forward to!

Gordon Dickerson. 2018. Personal correspondence with Temple Hauptfleisch.

Publication history

First published by HAUM-Literêr in 1987, then in the De Wet collection Vrystaat Trilogie ["Free State Trilogy"] in 1991 (HAUM-Literêr).

The English translation by the author was published as African Gothic in Reza de Wet: Plays Two published by Oberon Books, 2005. (Good Heavens and Breathing In are also included in the collection.)

Stage productions

According to Gordon Dickerson, De Wet's international agent, African Gothic and Missing are the most widely performed of Reza’s plays.

1985: First production at the Kampustoneel festival in by the Rhodes University Drama Department, directed by Denys Webb, with De Wet herself playing "Soekie", Bruce Fields as "Frikkie", Malcolm Hacksley as "Grové" and Noweni Thys as "Ou Alina".

1986: The first professional performance opened Upstairs at the Market, Johannesburg, on 18 June directed by Lucille Gillwald, with Dawid Minnaar, Susan Coetzer, Gys de Villiers and Doris Sihula. Decor by Nadya Cohen, costumes Hazel Maree, lighting Mannie Manim.

1995: Directed by James Blanckenberg at the UCT Arena starring Nicola Hanekom, David Isaacs, Alan Committie and Vanessa Wilson. (Die Burger 8 March 1995).

1996: Presented by KRUIK Toneel directed by Marthinus Basson (assisted by Sandra Temmingh), with Nicola Hanekom (Soekie), Chris Vorster (Frikkie), Jan Ellis (Grové) and Pinky Ngxangane (Ou Alina). Opened 25 March 1996 at the H.B. Thom Theatre, 3 April 1996 at the KKNK and 13 April 1996 at the Nico Malan Theatre. Set designed by Marthinus Basson, costume design by Peter Cazalet, lighting design by Kobus Rossouw.

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

2003: Staged in De Wet's own English translation as Run to Ground by KickstArt in the KwaSuka Theatre in Durban, directed by Greg King, with Belinda Harward, Steven Stead, Patti Nokwe and Frantz Dobrowsky.

2011: The English version staged under the title African Gothic at the Arcola Theatre in London in August 2011, directed by Naomi Wirthner, with Jane Gwilliams, Gil Sutherland, Naomi Wirthner and Gary Wright.

2016: Presented as African Gothic in the Park Theatre, London, by Two Sheds Theatre, produced by Roger Mortimer and Deborah Edgington, Directed by Roger Mortimer, with Janna Fox, Oliver Gomm, Lesley Ewen and Adam Ewan. Set and Costume Design by Nancy Surman, Lighting Design by Jack Weir and Sound Design by Erin Witton. Production photographs by Boris Mitkov.

Film version

The English version of the play was adapted for film and produced by Senderwood Films / 12/21 Productions in 2012-2013. Called African Gothic , the script was written by Damon Shalit, directed by Gabriel Bologna and the film stars Damon Shalit as "Frikkie", Chella Ferrow as "Sussie" and Jonny Coyne as "Grove", with Glen A. Vaughn, Maria Olsen, Connie Jackson, David Verne and Aviv Gadi.

The film had its world premiere at the Durban International Film Festival (SA) in 2013, and went on to win a number of awards at various festivals around the world.