Moffie: a powerful drama making its South African debut at The Baxter Theatre
Image: The Baxter
Following its critically acclaimed run in London, the powerful drama Moffie is set to make its South African debut at The Baxter Theatre's Flipside, running from 2 to 27 September 2025. The production, presented by The Common Humanity Arts Trust in association with The Baxter, promises to deliver a poignant exploration of love, survival, and identity during the apartheid era.
Based on the compelling novel by André Carl van der Merwe, Moffie has been expertly adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Philip Rademeyer, with direction and production led by Greg Karvellas, known for works like Dear Evan Hansen. The compelling narrative follows Nicholas van der Swart, a closeted conscript, as he grapples with societal expectations and his quest for self-identity amidst the oppressive backdrop of South Africa's 1980s border war.
Esteemed actor David Viviers takes on the lead role, bringing to life Nicholas's harrowing journey with his rich and emotionally charged performance. "It is a huge honour and responsibility to bring Nicholas' journey to the South African stage," Viviers remarked. "Moffie holds up a mirror to our past in a way that is honest, relentless, and beautifully fragile."
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David Viviers
Image: The Baxter
Receiving rave reviews in London, with nominations for four Off West End Awards, critics have praised Moffie as a 'gripping one-man show' and a 'stunning' theatrical experience, solidifying its impact on audiences before it reaches home soil. The Guardian awarded it a notable five-star rating for its unflinching portrayal of a soldier's torment, while The Stage echoed similar sentiments, heralding it as a 'first-class' production.
Lara Foot, CEO and Artistic Director of The Baxter, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the production, stating, "We are delighted and honoured to present Moffie at The Baxter. It's a powerful, deeply affecting piece that speaks to our shared history and resonates profoundly with contemporary audiences.'
The production is marked by its stark and stripped-down set, designed by Niall Griffin, with sound by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder enhancing the immersive experience. Director Greg Karvellas describes the one-man show as an intense exploration of a young soldier's internal battle. 'Every moment is charged with emotion,' he said, inviting audiences into a gripping solo performance that starkly illustrates the pain and beauty of one young man's survival.
Set against the oppressive backdrop of 1979 apartheid, Nicholas's story is not just one of personal survival but a reflection on the toxic masculinity and trauma that shaped and scarred a nation. As South Africans grapple with the legacy of this past, Moffie serves as a cultural landmark, inviting audiences to engage with the realities of their shared history.
The production runs for a limited season, with performances at 19:30 and Saturday matinees at 15:30. There will also be a special Wednesday matinee performance at 15:00 beginning 10 September, offering discounted tickets for seniors and students. Ticket prices range from R150 to R240, and advanced bookings can be made via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores.
As Moffie prepares to take the Baxter stage, audiences are urged to witness this extraordinary theatrical event that promises to be both entertaining and enlightening—a homecoming for a story that has long lingered in the shadows.
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