Name of production: Die Troue

Playwright: Anton Tsjechof

Director: Nico Luwes

Venue:  Wynand Mouton Theatre, UFS Main Campus

Language: Afrikaans

Genre: comedy

Dates and times:

2 March 2016             19:30 (free of charge, where donations can be made towards bursaries for needy students) 

3 March 2016             19:30

4 March 2016             17:30 & 19:30

Prices:  R 40.00 for adults / R 30.00 for students & scholars / R25.00 for pensioners.

Bookings:   Computicket (0861 915 8000)

Media release: Anton Tsjechof’s “Die troue” performed for student bursaries

Income from the first evening of this year’s first performance of the Free State University’s drama department in the Wynand Mouton Theatre, will be used for bursaries for needy drama students. No entrance fee will be charged, however, theatre-goers may either make a donation towards these bursaries, or enjoy the show for free.

The artistic year kicks off with a comical, newly translated ‘burlesque’, Die troue, (The Wedding) by world-famous Russian dramatist Anton Tsjechof (1860 – 1902). The play has never before been performed in English or Afrikaans in South Africa and is considered an unknown jewel for theatre-goers.

Prof Nico Luwes, head of the drama department, translated the comedy as ‘Die troue’ and will direct the show with honours students and a large group of third year drama students. Prof Nicol Viljoen of the Odeion School of Music will be the pianist at the wedding and will accompany the lady in the red dress when performing her French love song. Minette Grové-Reinach will choreograph the dances.

‘Die troue’ promises as much entertainment as the translated trilogy Tsjechov-Triptiek, three one-act plays which were performed at Vryfees 2015. The Tsjechov trilogy was named Best Free State Production 2015 and actor Chris Vorster bagged the prize as best actor for his role in ‘Tragiese kêrel – teen wil en dank’.

In ‘Die troue’, which will be performed as a full costume drama set in 1898, the audience will be treated to a typical Russian wedding with extravagant dances, boisterous singing, many a toast, comical speeches, amusing characters and other ridiculous traditions. As with many weddings, tensions run high, hoping everything goes well. But alas! Is the groom marrying for love or for the bride’s money? What is the bride’s ex-lover doing at the wedding? How does mother-in-law feel about the groom? Can the arrogant telegrapher keep his little Morse code hands off the seductive diva and pretentious singer? How does one maintain order when the guests have already tossed off so many vodkas, and tempers and hormone level begin to fly sky high?

And most importantly – will the General, whose presence will contribute a touch of status, ever arrive at the ceremony?

Come and enjoy the varying Russian temperaments of a group of eccentric characters and see how the jollifications and frolicsomeness of a wedding can unravel to the delight and entertainment of the whole family.

The play will be performed free of charge on 2 March at 19:30, in the Wynand Mouton Theatre, where donations can be made towards bursaries for needy students. Please phone 051 401 2160 to book for this performance. Bookings for the other performances on 3 March at 19:30, and 4 March at 17:30 and 19:30, can be made at Computicket.

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Come to a “wedding” and help a needy student!

One wouldn’t always get invited to a wedding in aid of a needy student! But ‘Die troue’ is not your customary wedding ceremony. It is a play brought to the stage by the University of the Free State’s drama department.

On the opening night of the play, no entrance fees will be asked, however, theatre-goers will have the chance to make a donation towards a bursary for needy students.

‘Die troue’ is a comical ‘burlesque’ set in 1989, in full costume, and is a newly translated Afrikaans version of dramatist Anton Tsjechov’s ‘The Wedding’.

It’s a typical Russian wedding with extravagant dances, boisterous singing, many a toast, comical speeches, amusing characters and other ridiculous traditions. Come and enjoy the varying Russian temperaments of a group of eccentric characters and see how the jollifications and frolicsomeness of a wedding can unravel to the delight and entertainment of the whole family.

The play will be performed free of charge on 2 March at 19:30, in the Wynand Mouton Theatre, where donations can be made towards bursaries for needy students. Please phone 051 401 2160 to book for this performance. For the other performances on 3 March at 19:30, and 4 March at 17:30 and 19:30, please book at Computicket.