In August we can look forward to two new solo shows by Mike van Graan at the intimate Antique Theatre and Bar and the Innovation Lounge at Artscape.
John Maytham – Superfan
Mike van Graan’s Superfan, a solo comedy drama featuring Cape Talk’s John Maytham and inspired by the role that Springbok rugby plays in the country, will run in the new, intimate Antique Theatre and Bar from 19 August to 12 September 2026.
After the critical and popular success of To Life, With Love in 2025, Superfan is the second collaboration between veteran broadcaster John Maytham (who commissioned both pieces) and award-winning playwright, Mike van Graan.
In Superfan, the character, Oliver Wilson seeks to build on the sense of national pride and unity that rugby under Rassie Erasmus engenders to deepen relationships across racial and class divides.
The general experience of South Africans with regard to transformation over the last three decades is of superficial demographic changes in governance and leadership, while the lives of ordinary citizens remain characterised by poverty and social exclusion. Long regarded as a sport that reflected the racial divisions of the country, rugby – particularly in the Rassie Erasmus era – has become a metaphor for how a transformed society can deliver excellence.
Chasing the Sun, the documentaries that chronicle the Springboks being crowned world champions twice and that provide insights into how rugby changed the fortunes of socially marginalised team members, is one of the inspirations behind this monodrama.
‘One doesn’t have to be a rugby fan to appreciate the piece,’ said Mike van Graan. ‘Superfan appeals to a broad demographic and in a country with a myriad challenges, the aim of the piece is to inspire the audience by holding up a vision of what we could be with our collective resources and expertise under the right leadership.’
Superfan is directed by Adrian Collins who launched the Antique Theatre and Bar with Nicholas Pauling and Andrew Roux where the play will have its inaugural season.
WHAT: Superfan with John Maytham
WHERE: Antique Theatre and Bar, 167 Kloof St, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: 19 August to 12 September 2026
BOOKING: Tickets are available HERE
Family Meeting, Mike van Graan’s sequel to My Fellow South Africans, to premiere at Artscape
In the tradition of the Bafana Republic franchise, Pay Back the Curry and My Fellow South Africans, Mike van Graan will premiere his new multi-sketch satirical work, Family Meeting, in Artscape’s Innovation Lounge from 24 to 29 August 2026. Awethu Hleli who was part of the Baxter Theatre’s resident company for two-and-a-half years will perform the work as her first solo show. [see lead photo above]
With the forthcoming local government elections and the general state of the world, there is much satirical material to challenge and entertain audiences while providing a cathartic outlet. As with Van Graan’s previous works in this vein, Family Meeting combines drama, comedy, song and poetry in a series of sketches that poke fun and provoke audiences, while showcasing the skills of a talented young performer.
‘I first worked with Awethu a few years ago in Another One’s Bread and was impressed with her talent then and watched her in a number of shows at the Baxter. So I’m delighted that she’s available to perform this revue,’ said Van Graan who also directs the piece, using the minimalist style honed by Rob van Vuuren and Daniel Richards in their work on his earlier satirical revues – Pay Back the Curry, State Fracture and Land Acts.
The hour-long Family Meeting will run at 19:30 in the Innovation Lounge, next to Artscape’s Opera Bar from 24-29 August with a matinee at 14:00 on 29 August too
WHAT: Family Meeting with Awethu Hleli
WHERE: Innovation Lounge, Artscape, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: 24 to 29 August 2026 plus a matinee at 14:00 on 29 August
INFO: Mike van Graan – MVG Productions VISIT. T 0829003349 |Â E art27m@iafrica.com
