MY CAPE TOWN

 

(Pat Pillai. Pic supplied)

 

My Cape Town - Written and Told by Pat Pillai

Music by Melvin Peters

South Africa, Ireland, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

 

The Editor of My Cape Town community newspaper explores the best stories of the last 40 years. He reveals Rylands and wider Athlone’s charming, quirky characters who made life extraordinary – and still do.

Pat Pillai’s hilarious, heartwarming and nostalgic stories of Rylands, Athlone in Cape Town in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! Vibrant storytelling – accompanied by live piano, double bass and drums. A fusion of dramedy, music and song.

Audiences have been enthralled!

The Cape Flats is a part of Cape Town that is most ethnically and culturally diverse – with people and cultures from around the globe interacting for hundreds of years.

A diverse Hindu, Muslim and Christian community shaped a unique cultural identity. In the 70’s, parents and grandparents had just been evicted from District Six and found themselves having to make a new life on the sands.

In My Cape Town, meet Donavan Selveraj (the curious news editor); Oliver Shakespeare (the classical artiste); the mischievous Auntie Khadijah; Vikram Singh (the romantic mechanic); Lionel (a brilliant pianist); Mr and Mrs Jansen (sweepstakes winners); Uncle O’Brien (who lives in a shack); Umesh Lala (who defended his mother); Mr Murugadas (the charming waiter); Taxi Benny; Jimmy Jingles (the nervous MC); Yongama Bala (the boxer); Little Chubby Singh; Igsaan (the enforcer); – and many more.

My Cape Town by Pat Pillai is nostalgic, hilarious, yet deeply human - and wonderfully revealing for those who did not grow up there.

Classic storytelling, music, laughter – and poignant moments that are universally human.

Pillai says: “News reports of life on the other side of Cape Town, the Flats, are often dire, but life is so much more than the bleak. But on the Flats - in fact all over South Africa - people find a way... they love, build, create, celebrate and dream. We capture these vibrant and uplifting stories.”

Pat Pillai was born and raised in Athlone, Cape Town. As a professional, Pillai went on to study and work in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and abroad.

 

Audience impressions…

“A universal and nuanced exploration of hope and defiance in a Cape Town setting.” Dr. David Balfour

“At times heart wrenching, at times humorous and whimsical; My Cape Town takes you on a journey into the lives and homes of characters so rich, you feel you’ve always known them.” Dr. Varushka Bachan

 

The vibrant Cape Flats in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s!

2026

CAPE TOWN • DURBAN • JOHANNESBURG

Produced by FireDog Skyy Productions

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Pat Pillai:  Writer & Storyteller

Pat Pillai was born and raised in Rylands, Athlone, Cape Town. His elders lived in Tongaat, UKZN and District Six, Cape Town. He went to Rylands High School.

He studied at the University of Durban-Westville, living and working in Durban for 10 years. He performed At The Edge by Ronnie Govender to over 600,000 people nationally and around the world, to critical acclaim (Edinburgh Festival, Toronto, London, South Africa).

In Johannesburg, he was a television broadcaster and news anchor for 20 plus years (SABC 3, e News Prime Time, e News Channel).

He retired from television in 2014 to focus on his writing and business interests in South Africa and Europe. In 2024 he played Capulet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at the Maynardville Open-Air Festival.

 

(Left: Melvin Peters. Pic supplied)

 

Melvin Peters: Musical Director & Pianist

Melvin is a renowned jazz & classical pianist with 40 years’ experience: composer, arranger, educator and church organist: SA, Europe, USA 1984 – present.

Melvin Peters has worked with several leading South African jazz musicians. Career highlights include performances with such jazz luminaries as Herb Ellis and Ginger Baker, as well as the opportunity to share the stage with the legendary Dave Brubeck at Harvard University in 1999.

He has collaborated with Abdullah Ibrahim in the formation of the Cape Town Jazz Orchestra, for which he was appointed Music Director. He has performed and tutored regularly at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

Other major performances include collaborations at the Joy of Jazz Festival and the Hilton Arts Festival. He has made several appearances with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed in the premiere of Noel Stockton’s Invictus with the Free State Symphony Orchestra.

 

AUDIENCE IMPRESSIONS

“From laughter to tears and back again, this one-man play is a masterclass in performance.” Jeannie Ross

“My Cape Town - one man, one stage, a whole world. Funny, sad, and unforgettable. Laugh, cry...remember...” Adrian Mallitte

"I did not leave the theatre with the memory of a solo performance, the stage was alive with people, all brought so vividly to life by Pat with each captivating story...” Margie T.

 

For more information, contact: pillai.pat@gmail.com