The world premiere of the only one-act play written by South African author Herman Charles Bosman is to take place at this weekend’s Bosman festival in the Groot Marico bushveld, organisers said on Monday.
Santa van Bart of the Groot Marico information centre said Patrick Mynhardt, who has become synonymous with Bosman’s storyteller Oom Schalk Lourens, would be treading the boards again, marking his 50th anniversary as an actor.
Mynhardt is also honorary life president of the Herman Charles Bosman Literary Society, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The play Street Woman is directed by Nicky Rebelo.
Two new editions of two Bosman anthologies, edited by poet Stephen Gray and Professor Craig Mckenzie, are to be launched too. Dr Gray is also expected to present a revealing illustrated talk on the life and work of Bosman.
Van Bart said this year’s Bosman festival — it is an annual event — is almost fully booked and those who wanted to take part only had a few days left to book because of limited accommodation.
”Unfortunately, only a limited number of 250 guests can be accommodated. On the other hand, in this way an intimate atmosphere is created with guests and artists sharing and celebrating an unique occasion in the heart of the Marico bosveld”.
Van Bart said Mynhardt would perform on the Saturday as well as on Sunday in two different shows.
Tim Sandham would be making his debut as writer, producer and performer of a humorous piece on the life, ”or afterlife” of Bosman, together with actor Angus Douglas, in a piece entitled Oom Schalk Strikes Back./i>
”As usual, entertainment of a musical order will be supplied by root Marico locals. As in the past, Saturday will also be devoted o local story-telling around the campfire and traditional cuisine such as ‘pap en plentie’, home-made breads and
jams, mampoer and ‘moer’ coffee.
For more details of the programme call van Bart at the information centre in Groot Marico on 083-272-2958, or visit the website at www.marico.co.za – Sapa