Erika Breytenbach is set to premiere “I Can Buy Myself Flowers”, a one-woman comedy-drama by multiple award-winning writer, Mike van Graan.
Known for his sharp, socially relevant storytelling, Van Graan’s latest work explores the complexities of womanhood with both humour and poignancy.
The production is a co-venture between MVG Productions and Unlikely Productions, continuing Breytenbach’s strong run at The Drama Factory.
This new role follows her stand-out performance in 2022’s “Die Goeie Pa”, a gripping South African adaptation of Gail Louw’s “The Good Dad”.
Directed by Paul du Toit, the emotionally charged one-woman play saw Breytenbach embody three different women navigating the deep scars of abuse. Her powerful performance earned her a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nomination for Best Solo Performance.
Taking inspiration from Miley Cyrus’ hit song, “I Can Buy Myself Flowers”, it follows estate agent Natalie Jackson, a woman in her fifties reflecting on relationships, friendships, career struggles and motherhood.
Juggling the pressures of professional life, raising children and dealing with ageing parents, Natalie has built a sisterhood of strong, independent women who call themselves, “Six-in-the-City”, on WhatsApp.
Having overcome past insecurities shaped by patriarchal norms and personal demons, Natalie now embraces life on her own terms.
Director Toni Morkel, known for her expertise in physical theatre and comedy, brings her unique touch to the production. She recently directed Sylvaine Strike and Andrew Buckland in the award-winning “Firefly” and is excited to shape this play as it evolves with audience interactions.
Van Graan, whose recent work “My Fellow South Africans” won the Independent Theatre Award for Best Script, describes “I Can Buy Myself Flowers” as a story woven with both pathos and comedy.
“It’s a human story, developed in conversation with the performer and director and it will continue to grow as it engages with audiences over the next year,” he shared.
For Breytenbach, The Drama Factory has been a pivotal space for her artistic growth. “I look forward to premièring yet another play at this generous theatre that has been great for my career thus far,” she said.
Where: The Drama Factory.
When: From Wednesday, February 5 until February 15. Show times differ, depending on the day.
Cost: Tickets cost R190 and can be purchased through The Drama’s Factory website.
Shakespeare Shorts
This production showcases a selection of Shakespeare’s iconic works, featuring scenes from “Henry VI” Parts 1 & 2, “Macbeth”, “Othello”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Much Ado About Nothing”, “Hamlet”, “The Tempest” and “The Merchant of Venice.”
Central to these plays are themes of love, the supernatural and women.
Love appears in various forms, from the playful misunderstandings in “Much Ado About Nothing” to the darker jealousy in “Othello”, where love turns destructive.
In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” love is influenced by magic and mistaken identities, highlighting its unpredictable nature.
The supernatural plays a significant role, with “Macbeth’s” witches sparking tragedy and “The Tempest” using magic to manipulate reality, adding complexity and emotional depth to the works.
Women are portrayed as strong and influential characters, shaping the course of events. Portia in “The Merchant of Venice” uses her wit to outsmart men, while Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth” drives her husband to commit regicide.
In “Hamlet”, characters like Gertrude and Ophelia are key to the unfolding tragedy. Additionally, “Henry VI Parts 1 & 2” introduces powerful women like Margaret of Anjou, who challenges gender roles in the political sphere.
This production highlights these themes, offering an engaging introduction to Shakespeare’s works and showcasing the lasting relevance of his storytelling.
Where: The Playhouse Theatre, Somerset West.
When: Friday, February 7, to February 8. All shows start at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R75 to R100 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
Lorin Sookool Presents: “Woza Wenties!” and “3 Mense Phakathi”
Lorin Sookool will present a powerful double bill featuring two impactful works that explore identity, power and resistance in contemporary South Africa.
The performances, “Woza Wenties!” and “3 Mense Phakathi,” delve into self-discovery, societal dynamics and empowerment.
“Woza Wenties!” is a semi-autobiographical solo in which Sookool reflects on her journey as a woman of colour from Wentworth, Durban.
Through innovative dance, she addresses the erasure of black experiences shaped by colonial history, reclaiming her narrative with each movement.
The piece offers a raw, intimate look at Sookool’s identity as she challenges societal norms and redefines what it means to be a black woman in South Africa.
In contrast, “3 Mense Phakathi” features three dancers who examine complex power dynamics within South African society. The piece highlights the ongoing struggle for agency, visibility and empowerment in a post-apartheid context.
The performers take on roles that embody both oppression and resilience in the fight for equality.
Together, they represent the broader call for social change, emphasising the importance of visibility and asserting one's humanity in a society still confronting its historical injustices.
Where: The Artscape Theatre.
When: From Thursday, February 6, to Saturday, February 8. All shows start at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R170 and R200 and can be purchased through Webtickets.