PIETER-DIRK UYS FOR DUT

Prolific South African master satirist, writer, entertainer, activist and philanthropist Pieter-Dirk Uys will visit the Durban University of Technology to share his artistic practice with the Drama and Production Studies students on March 15.

Over the years, Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout (Uys’s alter-ego), has been welcomed into the homes of South Africans as the person who makes us laugh at the things we fear the most.

Professor Debbie Lutge, HOD - Drama & Production Studies, said DUT and the Department are excited to host Uys: “It provides a wonderful opportunity for emerging artists to meet and greet one of our national artistic treasures. One of my earlier professional performances was playing the lead in the political satire by Pieter Dirk Uys - Paradise is Closing Down, a play superbly directed by Murray McGibbon in 1989 at the Durban Playhouse. I felt so privileged, particularly when Pieter-Dirk Uys arrived backstage on the closing night to commend the performances.

“Pieter-Dirk Uys is iconic both nationally and internationally,” Lutge continues. “To have someone of that calibre interact with our students will also reinforce what they are taught in this Department about professional ethics and pursuing longevity in the business. We are extremely grateful to Pieter-Dirk Uys for his generosity of spirit in making time available for this visit.”

Pieter-Dirk Uys will present his talk on March 15 at 09h00 in the Drama & Production Studies Department, Courtyard Theatre – DUT Ritson Campus. Booking is essential on email: sinegugunp@dut.ac.za Further information from Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi, on 031 373 2194.