Swartwater is a captivating reimagination of the losses experienced by the Nama Khoi indigenous people during colonization and discovery of diamonds in the 1900s. This powerful narrative follows a Nama family as they face the painful reality of leaving Swartwater, unearthing fresh wounds amidst their relocation. Through the eyes of Tieles, who is in the process of departing Swartwater, audiences are taken on an emotional journey of profound loss. Tieles reminisces about her daughter, Sosanas, who left Swartwater with Jannie for the Cape Colony, and recalls the forced removals from Dunvlei and Ariesdrift.
Join Tieles, Sosanas, Sarah and Mammies as they guide us through a profound exploration of grief, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to overcome adversity.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Dramaturg: Lee-Ann Van Rooi
Playwright and Director: Geralt Cloete
Cast:
Serapha Joseph
Diansca Obies
Liza-Marie De Waal
Annaline Joseph
Photographer: Gautier Berr
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Lee Ann Van Rooi is a keen storyteller, puppeteer, teacher, writer, and director. Her interests and skills are wide ranging, innovative and resourceful. Part of the professional entertainment industry for over 18 years. This award winning, versatile actress and producer has credits stretching over the various mediums of film, TV, stage, and radio both locally and internationally. A proud member of SAGA, Lee-Ann is particularly interested in growing and creatively educating audiences and supporting the arts and culture in a responsible and fair way.
Geralt Cloete is a Nama Khoi Cultural Practitioner, Director, Performer, Scriptwriter, Applied Theatre Practitioner and Theatre-maker. He holds a master’s degree in Dramatic Arts and an
Honours in Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Communities, and Social Context from the University of the Witwatersrand. His work is rooted in the concept of Home and Belonging.
As a theatre-maker, he derives great joy from empowering the youth through the arts.
