NAF: MAN TO MAN

Accomplished Basson and Kellerman formidable. (Review by Thomie Holtzhausen)

Eminent actress Antoinette Kellerman and genial theatre director Marthinus Basson dazzle audiences with their TEATERteater production of Manfred Karge’s Man to Man on the main programme of the 2010 National Arts festival in Grahamstown.

Directed and designed by Basson, Man To Man investigates the life of a woman who takes over the identity of her husband after his death to make a living as a crane-operator during the economically critical Weimar period. From her position as an outsider, hiding behind her new identity, she observes her environment. She questions the nature of a male dominant society, love, the role of women and ultimately the reason for her own existence.

A rather difficult play to follow due to the German accent, yet beautifully mastered by Kellerman throughout, the work succeeds in not only mesmerizing but also allowing you to question your own journey. I would suggest a second viewing of the work as not only is Basson’s direction extremely meaningful and poignant but also full of subtle messages. He allowed for beautiful nuanced pauses and a slow tempo to truly capture the essence of the play as well as Kellerman’s masterful handling of the text.

Indeed a memorable experience. - Thomie Holtzhausen