David Kramer’s Ver in die wêreld, Kittie is one of many productions that forms part of the 20th Suidoosterfees from 26 April to 1 May at Artscape in Cape Town.
Ver in die wêreld, Kittie tells the story of Josef and Rosa Marais who, in the 1950s, enjoyed fame and fortune in America as a folk song duo, known for the Afrikaans songs Josef had translated into English. Hits like “Sugarbush” were performed by Doris Day and Frankie Laine.
The couple were successful in Hollywood in the 1950’s, working together with the likes of Burt Lancaster and Humphrey Bogart. But their hit songs originated in the Boland, and not from Josef’s pen. As a child Josef had learnt them from his father’s farm labourers, Kittie Jaftha and Koos Heuningbek. While Josef and Rosa are revelling in their international success, back home in South Africa Kitty feels betrayed.
Rushney Ferguson, Jenny Stead, Dean Balie and André Terblanché are in the cast, while Nick Turner (guitar) Ivan Potts (keyboard) and Kerryn Torrance (violin) are responsible for the music. Lighting is by Ben du Plessis and Sound by Robert Lewis.
The show is brought to the festival with the support of NATi and KKNK.
On Cape Diary on Fine Music Radio, David Kramer related how the story of Josef and Rosa Marais came to light, when Renaye Kramer’s aunt told the the story about Joseph Pessach, originally a boyfriend of her aunt living in Worcestor. The man she never married went on to become well known in both the UK and USA, using the stage name Josef Marais, but is little known locally.
Do not miss out – only 3 performances in Cape Town!
WHAT: David Kramer – Ver in die wêreld, Kittie
WHERE: Artscape, kykNET Theatre, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: 26 and 30 April, and 1 May 2023
TICKETS: Bookings at Computicket or Artscape dial-a-seat: 021 421 7695.
INFO: Complete Suidoosterfees programme is available HERE
PHOTO: Jacobus Marx
The Suidoosterfees is supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport; City of Cape Town; Media24; Die Burger; NATi; kykNET; the ATKV and Artscape.
