Op Dees Aarde

Op Dees Aarde is an Afrikaans play by Reza de Wet (1952-2012).

(Also written: Op dees aarde - literally "On This Earth", but an idiomatic Afrikaans expression of surprise, akin to "What on earth?").

The original text

A subtitled " 'n Plattelandse storie" ("A rural story"), it is a Gothic play about the spirit of a deceased sister, who died in illicit childbirth, and returns home on every year for her birthday, to the delight of her mother and brother, and despair of her two "ugly" sisters.

First published in the collection Vrystaat Trilogie ("Free State Trilogy") in 1991 (HAUM-Literêr).

Translations and adaptations

Translated into English by the author as Good Heavens and

Performances

1987: First performed by PACT under the direction of Sandra Kotzé starring Petru Wessels (Sophie), Ronel Kriel (Minnie), Lida Botha (Ma), Pieter Brand (Tokkie), Natania van Heerden (Baby), Cobus Coetzer (Ou man). Set design by Chris Pretorius, costume design by Sandra Kotzé, lighting by James MacNamara.

2013: Performed as Op Dees Aarde – 'n Plattelandse storie by TEATERteater at the Aardklop festival 2012 and KKNK 2013. Produced by Hugo Theart, directed by Marthinus Basson, with Wilna Snyman, Joanie Combrink, Alida Theron, Ludwig Binge and Karli Heine. Designer Marthinus Basson, Assistant-director Hugo Theart, stage manager and lighting designer Jaco Van Wyk, assistant stage managers Stefan O'Connor and Heinrich Botes, production assistant Gabi Immelman, costumes Artscape Wardrobe, with Penny Simpson as costujme coordinator, assisted by costumiers Eva Parsons, Gabieba Isaacs and Effendi Davids

Sources

http://www.teaterteater.com/opdeesaarde.html

Op Dees Aarde theatre programme, 1987.

Marisa Keuris 2006 Die rol van die sprokie in Reza de Wet se Op dees aarde (1987), Stilet 18(1):39-50

KKNK programme, 29 March-6 April 2013)

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