Witness the impactful stage adaptation of 'Moffie': a story of resilience and self-discovery

Five years ago, just before the world went into lockdown at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a challenging and difficult-to-watch movie hit our screens - "Moffie" - before going on to win global acclaim.

Covid-19 and social distancing put an end to its run in cinemas, but a "plan B" was quickly put in place, ensuring that the work reached audiences, both here and abroad, where it received rave reviews and was nominated for a Bafta Award.

Now, a stage production of "Moffie", which had a successful premiere in London in 2024, where it was nominated for four Off West End Awards, is set to premiere in South Africa in September.

The Common Humanity Arts Trust, in association with The Baxter, is to present "Moffie", which will run for a limited season until September 27 at The Baxter Flipside in Cape Town.

Adapted from André Carl van der Merwe’s acclaimed autobiographical novel, this stage version brings an intimate, human lens to a powerful story of survival and selfhood.

Directed and produced by Greg Karvellas ("Dear Evan Hansen"), former artistic director of The Fugard Theatre, the book has been reimagined for the stage by award-winning playwright Philip Rademeyer.

"Moffie" tells the story of a young man, Nicholas, conscripted into the apartheid army and how he navigates the toxic Border War environment, made worse by his struggle with his sexual identity and romantic relationship with a fellow soldier.

It conveys the bitter irony and trauma of being forced to defend a regime that oppresses him and an ideology he does not agree with.

David Viviers, one of South Africa’s most exciting and versatile stage talents, steps into the role of Nicholas.

“It is a huge honour and responsibility to bring Nicholas’ journey to the South African stage. I remember coming across Van der Mewe’s book as a schoolboy and being deeply affected by it.

"I realised then that there was a lot I didn’t know about our country’s past. There were things that weren’t spoken about because it was easier not to. 'Moffie' holds up a mirror to our past in a way that is honest, relentless and also beautifully fragile. I am really excited to share this story with audiences,” Viviers shared.

Karvellas said audiences can expect a fully immersive experience.

"Staged as a gripping solo performance, 'Moffie' places Nicholas alone in a stark, stripped-down set - a mound of military kit bags symbolising the baggage of war and identity he carries.

"Every moment is charged with emotion, drawing spectators into a soldier’s internal battle in a way that only live theatre can achieve.

"'Moffie' traces Nicholas' struggle against societal expectations and his internal battle in discovering his own identity amid the violence of South Africa's Border War,” Karvellas said.