Preview: An Epic Journey of hope in Maanmaats – part of finals of play competition, 2022 ATKV Tienertoneel

Preview: An Epic Journey of hope in Maanmaats – childhood, growing up, loss and healing and triumph by superheroes- finals of play competition, 2022 ATKV Tienertoneel

Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West has two plays, in competition at the 2022 ATKV Tienertoneel Finals, at Artscape Theatre (October 5-7). Die Susterskap and Die Maanmaats. Die Susterskap features a cast of girls. Die Maanmaats is being staged on Thursday October 6 and Friday October 7. The text is by Darryl Spijkers and Lindie Strydom. The play deals with “themes of childhood, growing up, loss and healing”.  The narrative pivots around two friends, who play superheroes and “who save the day in their Grade 1 concert.” Although the play deals with deep issues, the take-home, says Spijkers, is one of “hope”. Audiences will leave with a “smile” on their faces, says Spijkers who is a drama teacher at the school. Bravo to Team Parel Vallei and its robust drama department for nurturing a culture of theatre, with issues which resonate with its learners. A big shout-out that the school stages original texts – written with teenagers in mind. Tremendous work goes into developing news scripts. The school is a stand-out in school drama, with its attention to detail, large dynamic ensemble casts and its use of original texts.  Many of the school’s learners have won awards and Maanmaats is being talked about as a must-see production. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

Maanmaats – an Epic Journey of Hope

With the ATKV Tienertoneel National Finals set to run at the Artscape from October 5 to 7, 2022, the stakes have never been higher and the journey to the top is going be extremely tight. One of the plays shooting for the stars this year is Parel Vallei High School’s Maanmaats. Paul Strydom and Aden Gardiner lead a powerful new Afrikaans text by Darryl Spijkers and Lindie Strydom taking on the themes of childhood, growing up, loss and healing. 

Universal- filled with hope- leave with a smile – after seeing the play

‘Universal and filled with hope – this is the type of story people need and want to see. Theatre is often seen as deep and depressing and so with this play we decided to serve high spirits, fun and good feelings. People leave the theatre feeling uplifted and with big smiles on their faces. Job done!’ muses director Darryl Spijkers.

‘It is not all light and smooth – the play deals with growing up and its harsh realities. But as the characters look into what it truly means to be a superhero and how one can keep the child inside alive, we find that even if we can’t really time travel back to find answers, we can take with us the joy we once had. In 45 minutes this play launches you on a journey through time with lots of movement and bright characters to love and remember.’

Harnessing our inner Superheroes

Maanmaats recounts the story of two friends, Paul and Aden who play superheroes who save the day in their Grade 1 concert. If only life could stay that simple. As a disillusioned teenager Paul is tasked with an essay in Science class with the topic: If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? The play is simply staged with three doors symbolizing the movement of life as the characters open and close doors on different chapters in their lives. Dramatic lights and a beautifully orchestrated sound design help us along with this coming of age saga that often feels like the playing out of a classic film or novel.

‘Like any good production for teenagers, the play presents the actors with challenges both within and beyond their range of skills. Acting as seven year olds and dealing with intense elements of physical theatre has been wonderful challenge for the cast. This is where we see them start to grow and shine.’ 

Parel Vallei High School’s Drama department has become well known for its large ensemble work, diverse casts, amazing stage imagery and high energy performances – and Maanmaats does not disappoint. Spijkers says: “It is theatre for every human and all ages – everyone will be able to relate to this – and I am so excited about the ability of this piece to warm hearts. It reminds us all that the ones we love and miss are not that far from us and it brings a sense of healing.”

The ATKV Tienertoneel competition is a national Afrikaans play competition for high schools that is adjudicated by professional actors and theatre makers. The top 10 plays in competition, this year includes a variety of genres from drama to thriller to absurd theatre. Maanmaats is the largest cast and will be staged on Thursday October 6 and Friday October 7, in the Artscape Theatre. Tickets are available on Computicket.  More info: www.atkv.org.za

✳ Sponsored content. Featured image: Aden Gardiner and Paul Strydom in Maanmaats. They are learners from Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West. The play is being staged at 2022 ATKV Tienertoneel Finals, at Artscape Theatre (October 5-7). Images by Nardus Engelbrecht. Supplied.

Related coverage on TheCapeRobyn: https://thecaperobyn.co.za/preview-thriller-grappling-with-teenage-leadership-in-die-susterskap-in-finals-of-play-competition-2022-atkv-tienertoneel/