Op Die Pad Na Acapulco

Op Die Pad Na Acapulco ("On the road to Acapulco") is an Afrikaans radio play by Chris Barnard (1939–2015).

The original text

Written as a commissioned work for in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Afrikaans radio service, the play is an exploration of the ravages of war. It tells of Simon and his wife, Mia, who are wandering through a war wracked country on their way to Acapulco, a symbol if paradise or utopia. They do not reach it but the hope keeps them going.

The Afrikaans text was published by Tafelberg, 1975.

Translations and adaptations

The play was entered for the prestigious Italia-prize[1] in 1974, and has also been translated into English, French and Serbian.

Has also been adapted as a stage play.

Broadcast history in South Africa

1974: Broadcast on the SABC programme Radioteater on 4 July, directed by Suzanne van Wyk with Pierre Marais and Irmela Pakendorf in the leading roles.

19*: Broadcast by Radiosondergrense (RSG), directed by Joey de Koker, with Dawid Minnaar (as "Simon"), Gretha Brazelle (as "Mia"), Limpie Basson, Louw Verwey, Johan Botha, Trix Pienaar, André Rossouw, Nico de Beer and Marko van der Colff.

2005: Recorded for Radiosondergrense (RSG)'s programme Radioteater on 13 December, directed by Margot Luyt with Johann Nell, Joanie Combrink, André Rossouw, Johan Botha, Antoinette Kellerman, Ivan Abrahams and others. Broadcast on 27 December.

2013: Performed as a stage play by students of the Schoonspruit Sekondêre Skool at The Savoy Theatre, Port Elizabeth, where it was awarded second prize at the ATKV schools competition.

2019: The Joey de Koker recording broadcast again by RSG on 10 October, in celebration of what would have been Chris Barnard's 80th birthday.