29 August 08

By Lesego Madumo

IT holds the record as the longest running solo play on Broadway in New York; it has played to sold-out audiences across the world, including South Africa. And now, Groet Die Grotman is coming to Mogale City.

Written by American Rob Becker, Defending The Caveman was first performed by the writer in San Francisco in 1991. Since then it has been seen in over 30 countries, and has been translated into more than 15 languages.

Billed for Silverstar Casino, the one-man show opens on 3 September and runs until 13 September. The show starts at 8pm at the casino’s Silverstar Centre, starring Afrikaans comedian and actor Hannes Muller as die Grotman.

While the English version of the play has been a hit in South Africa, the local producers believed that an Afrikaans translation would add to its relevance. The translation was done by the well-known Afrikaans singer, songwriter and author, Koos Kombuis, and the play was directed by Sandra Prinsloo.

“We’re really delighted about it because it gives the residents of the West Rand the opportunity to see the show just up the road,” notes Gina de Villiers, the casino’s publicist. “[We are] proud to welcome Groet Die Grotman to the intimate Silverstar Centre.”

It is a humorous exploration of the differences between the sexes, and how those differences can cause us to misunderstand each other.

Prinsloo says that her role in the production was very challenging, as she had the task of turning Groet Die Grotman into a unique theatrical experience. “We gave our own interpretation to the play, set it within the South African context, yet kept to the essence of Becker’s original show,” Prinsloo explains.

“We had lots of fun, and we believe audiences will enjoy it just as much as we did.”

The playwright is also pleased with its ongoing success. “It is wonderful that this show is now being performed in Afrikaans in South Africa,” Rob Becker says. “It always makes a huge difference if one can experience theatre in one’s home language.”

Muller, who has won several awards for best actor and supporting actor, began his career with the then South West Africa Performing Arts Council in 1984. Since then, he has turned his hand to scriptwriting, theatre and television directing, voice art and acting.

Speaking about the play, he says: “Ek is die Grotman! Ek is die jagter! En alle mans is nie poepholle nie! Ons sien julle by Groet Die Grotman.”

Groet Die Grotman is on at the Silverstar Casino, in the Silverstar Centre, from 3 to 13 September. Ticket prices range from R110 to R130. Tickets for the opening night are R50 each, and include a gift from the casino.

Book at Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000, or visit the Computicket website, or telephone Gina de Villiers at Silverstar on 011 250 7959 or email gina@atmosphere.co.za.

Silverstar Casino is in Muldersdrift, just off the R28 Krugersdorp-Pretoria highway. The casino supports responsible gambling; for more information about the National Responsible Gambling Programme visit the Responsible Gambling website, or phone the toll free hotline on 0800 006 008