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'n Begin

Intimate play in Afrikaans explores modern relationships

Both comedic and tender, ‘n Begin is a sharp and astute two-hander that takes an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance on love. The Market Theatre in association with the Stellenbosch Woordfees, supported by NATi, is proud to bring this acclaimed Afrikaans production to Johannesburg. Originally written in English by British playwright David Eldridge, ’n Begin was translated to Afrikaans by Nico Scheepers and is directed by the award-winning Tinarie van Wyk-Loots. It kickstarts the ‘Month of Love’ with a romantic bang, running for a strictly limited season at The Market Theatre from 30 January to 16 February.

The two-hander offers a meditation on loneliness, love, desire, insecurity, connection and intimacy. Laura (played by Cintaine Schutte) makes known her desires for Daniel (played by Carel Nel). The story takes place at the end of Laura’s housewarming party. It’s early in the morning and everyone has gone home, except Daniel. The place is a mess and so are they.  Laura fearlessly pursues Daniel as he battles feelings of insecurity and hesitation. Will this be the beginning of something great? Reviewed by Netwerk24 as “flirty, modern and real”, the play examines modern relationships with psychological precision and care.

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Director, Tinarie van Wyk-Loots, urges audiences to prepare for a thrilling ride of goosebumps and gasps, as the award-winning acting couple, Cintaine Schutte and Carel Nel, movingly and delicately explore the complexity and messiness of beginning a new relationship, highlighting the unconventional ways we pursue and negotiate love. Van Wyk-Loots states, “Directing this play by David Elridge, who is one of the most talented playwrights of his times, is an incredible privilege. The chemistry between the cast is contagious and real, giving an authentic exploration of what modern relationships often look like. This production premiered at the Stellenbosch Woordfees to raving reviews, and Joburg audiences can expect a magical performance that offers an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking it all for love.”

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, adds that this play offers audiences an opportunity to see two outstanding performers that capture the ordinary in a compelling and entertaining way. “We’re excited to stage this brilliant piece of contemporary playwriting, which the talented team behind it has now placed so well in a recognizable South African context.  The raw and effortless connection shared by real-life partners, Cintaine Schutte and Carel Nel, makes for amazing chemistry and storytelling. As human beings, we have our ideas of love and relate to it in our own unique ways, and ’n Begin is that kind of production that invites us to evaluate how we negotiate love, with all our baggage in tow,” says Homann.

This month of love, don’t miss this delicate, funny, and playful encounter of two characters trying to connect. Special Valentine’s Day specials are available for the performance on 14 February. Tickets across the limited 3-week run for ’n Begin are available via Webtickets.

 ENDS

For enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more), contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.