The award-winning The Unlikely Secret Agent returns for a run at The Baxter Theatre Centre ahead of a tour. The Fleur du Cap Theatre award-winning and multiple-nominated production will be performed from 20 to 29 October, 2022 in the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio. There will be a Q and A session with Ronnie Kasrils after the performance on Sunday, 23 October.
Based on Ronnie Kasrils’ Alan Paton Award-winning novel, it explores the journey of Eleanor, Kasrils’ wife and a clandestine agent for the underground ANC, as she navigates her escape from Apartheid South Africa.
Presented by Unlikely Productions, the play was nominated for a total of eight Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, with Paul du Toit winning Best Director. Du Toit also adapted the story for the stage.
The cast
Erika Marais was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Eleanor Kasrils, with fellow cast members Gideon Lombard and Ntlanhla Morgan Kutu nominated for Best Supporting Actor Awards. Paul du Toit and Sanda Shandu were part of the original cast and were also nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Awards respectively.
Multiple award-winning actor Carlo Daniels (Onweer; Klippies Van Die Grond; The Life And Times Of MIchael K) joins the cast for the run at the Baxter Theatre Centre, along with Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award winner Wessel Pretorius (Ont (Undone); Balbesit; Wie’s Bang vir Virginia Woolf?) in the role of Ronnie Kasrils.
Other Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nominations for the production include Daniel Galloway for Lighting Design and Jahn Beukes for Sound Design.
Set and Wardrobe Coordination as well as AV Design for the The Unlikely Secret Agent is by Paul du Toit and Salene Bekker.
“Breaking free from Covid restrictions, as Eleanor did from police torture and detention, sees this riveting play being staged at the Baxter in Cape Town, travelling to London next year, with Scotland and Ireland a possibility. Her spirit once again soars like a bird to taunt the apartheid state, thanks to this brilliant adaptation of my book, superb direction and acting, that drew standing ovations at The Drama Factory in Somerset West – and I am over the moon. What expectations to savour!” says Ronnie Kasrils.
“The story of this remarkable woman Eleanor Kasrils inspires and moves our audiences wherever we have performed this production,” says actress and founder of Unlikely Productions Erika Marais.
“We are honoured to continue the journey of sharing her story, and delighted that Ronnie Kasrils will once again be able to join us for a Q&A after the performance on Sunday 23rd October.. Paul’s script has also now been published, so audiences have the opportunity to take the play home with them!”.
Age restriction: PG14.
What: The Unlikely Secret Agent
Where: Baxter Golden Arrow Studio Cape Town
When: 20 to 29 October 2022, except Monday 24, 8pm. Matinees, 22, 29 October, 2pm. 23 October, 3pm
Unlikely Secret Agent tickets: R130 Early Bird ends 30 September, R160 Senior Citizens, Students, Block Bookings of 10+), R190
Book: Webtickets, Pick n Pay
WS
