Living in Strange Lands: The Testimony of Dimitri Tsafendas by Anton Krueger
GENRE
Drama
LENGTH
Full-length, 55-75 minutes
CAST
2 males (1-2 actors possible: 1-2 males)
SET
Prison bed, table, chair
NOTES
Adult language
In 1966, Dimitri Tsafendas irrevocably altered the course of South African history by assassinating Henrik Verwoerd, the founder of Apartheid. He was classified insane and remained incarcerated until his death in 1999. He was never recognized by any of the various freedom movements in South Africa, including the African National Congress, as having achieved anything significant. His motivations have never been fully explored, and whether his act was one of madness or morality remains a mystery. This thoroughly researched play approaches Tsafendas as tragic hero, and presents the possibility that he may well have been a sane man living in a strange land.
"This docu-drama doubles as a study in personal and political madness...ring[s] with social and personal truths...harrowing ritualistic imagery and a luminously intelligent text...a dramatic tour de force."
