Stage adaptation of Moffie comes home for SA premiere

Following its critically acclaimed London run, the drama and hit one-man show Moffie returns home for its South African premiere at the Baxter Flipside from Tuesday September 2 to Saturday September 27.

Based on the novel by André Carl van der Merwe, the stage adaptation has been brought to life by a South African team, in a powerful, poignant sharing of this story about love, survival, and identity under Apartheid.

Directed and produced by Greg Karvellas, the book has been reimagined for the stage by award-winning playwright Philip Rademeyer.

Moffie is set in 1979 against the backdrop of Apartheid South Africa, when the South African government's main concern is keeping Southern Africa free of communism, to protect the Afrikaner people, Christianity, and the free world. To do this, they need bodies, and 17-year-old Nicholas van der Swart is conscripted into the South African Defence Force. He finds himself in the dark heart of a regime that demands absolute conformity, brute masculinity, racism, and bigotry.

Facing the dread of being labelled a "moffie" – and the ever-present fear of exposure – Moffie is an exploration of toxic masculinity and trauma, highlighting how, 30 years into South Africa's democracy, the emotional wounds inflicted during those turbulent times persist.

David Viviers performs the role of Nicholas van der Swart, the closeted conscript whose harrowing journey lies at the heart of this tale. 

There is a parental guidance rating of 16 years for mature themes, including bigotry, violence, sexual assault, child abuse and suicide. 

Ticket prices range from R150 to R240. There are special discounts for seniors and students. Book through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores.