What happens when two people love one another so much that they attach physically? What does “forever, together” look like, and … can two people REALLY be one?
These are just some of the life and love questions that come into play in the delightfully absurd tragicomedy, 1, set to debut on the Aardklop Arts Festival stage from 4 to 7 October 2023. Audiences are set to be enthralled by characters Hirr and Hiss and the conjoined couple reflect on the myth of never-ending love and eternal happiness.
Written by Henriëtta Gryffenberg and with dramaturgy and direction by Alby Michaels, with Craig Morris choreographing the couple’s body language, the highly anticipated 1 is expected to be one of the most original pieces to be seen on the Aardklop festival stage with tickets already under great demand.
Cindy Swanepoel (Binnelanders’ Analize Roux) and Zak Hendrikz (7de Laan’s Werner Visagie) join forces for the satirical piece about the lighter moments in marriage; the never-ending search for togetherness; and the curse of the soulmate myth.
Hiss is a joker that likes to play games and keeps himself occupied with his knitting. Hirr is a complex being who grapples with complicated, mathematical calculations that unpacks the wonder of the universe and humanity in scientific formulas. Their complex engagements bring some magically comedic and intelligent moments as questions about love and togetherness come to the fore: “Is true love forever or is it a cursed myth? Is the search for fulfilment real, and can this search drive us to madness? Or is it togetherness that makes us crazy?”
1 is a tour de force piece that showcases both Swanepoel and Hendrikz’s talent as comedic and physical actors. The pair have been working together for years and their interplay is wonderfully complementary as they deliver powerful, cutting dialogue amongst hilarious comedy.
Michaels says that “The idea or device, of seeing two actors conjoined as one on stage has been haunting me for years. Yet somehow, I could never find the hook, or logic for this very appealing device. Fortunately, the universe sent Henriëtta my way and her brilliant script provided the perfect “why”. She has masterfully created a narrative and characters that seem to perfectly encompass the essence of Zak and Cindy as performers and is entirely suited to my style of direction. The intimacy, the challenge, the absolute trust of the entire creative team is one of those rare moments in life that leaves you in awe – grateful for not what you know, but who associates with your vision.”
The incredible team behind the production 1 includes Nadine Minnaar on set design, Nerine Pienaar on costume design, Oliver Hauser on lighting design, Coenraad Rall who has created the soundscapes for the piece and Rhys Gorden on graphic design. The Momentum Investments Aardklop Art Festival – your shortcut to the arts in Potchefstroom – takes place from 3 to 8 October. Tickets are selling out fast for this production so don’t wait – get your tickets now at Ticketpro.
Produced by Swan Dive Collective, in partnership with Momentum Investments Aardklop Art Festival, NATI (National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative), KKNK (Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and supported by Isuzu.
