Living in Strange Lands: The Testimony of Dimitri Tsafendas

Living in Strange Lands: The Testimony of Dimitri Tsafendas by Anton Krueger

(0)
Productions (8)
Drama
|
55 - 75 minutes
2 M,  (1-2 actors possible: 1-2 M)
Content Notes: Adult language
Set: Prison bed, table, chair

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.

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

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.

  • Drama
  • |
  • 55 - 75 minutes
  • 2 M,  (1-2 actors possible: 1-2 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult language
  • Set: Prison bed, table, chair

Published Reviews

"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."

Adrienne Sichel, The Star (Johannesburg)

"Pick of the Week...mesmerising and illuminating."

Wilhelm Disbergen, Mail and Guardian (South Africa)

"A remarkable play one-man play... Both subtly detailed and effectively impressionistic, the play is a fine piece of writing...this imaginative and intimate portrait of an ill-fated man is the sort of South African theater of which we can be proud."

Darryl Accone, Art Rap (South Africa)

"The writer is careful not to condone the murder, but he does paint a sympathetic portrait of the man as a tragic victim of circumstance; a diseased victim of a diseased society; a gentle introspective man sporting a touch of insanity who, in his own mind, was a lone soldier on a noble, heroic mission... See this exceptional play."

Christina Kennedy, The Citizen (Johannesburg)

"Identity, history, race and class combine with personal tragedy in this compelling one-man show about Dimitri Tsafendas, the man who killed 1960s South African premier Hendrik Verwoerd, chief builder of apartheid."

Acemail (South Africa)

"An affectionate portrayal of Verwoerd's murderer in an insightful testimony of mixed identity. Unexpectedly uplifting."

Cue (Grahamtown Festival, South Africa)

Production History

DEC 04, 2003 - DEC 14, 2003
6th Fiesta Internacional del Teatro San Martin (Post Punk Productions)
Caracas, Venezuela
6th Fiesta Internacional del Teatro San Martin (Post Punk Productions) Caracas, Venezuela
AUG 01, 2002 - AUG 30, 2002
The Rendezvous, State Theatre
Pretoria, South Africa
The Rendezvous, State Theatre Pretoria, South Africa
MAR 01, 2002 - MAR 30, 2002
Klein Karoo Kunste Fees
Oudtshoorn, South Africa
Klein Karoo Kunste Fees Oudtshoorn, South Africa
MAR 01, 2002 - MAR 30, 2002
Hello Darling Festival
Darling, South Africa
Hello Darling Festival Darling, South Africa
NOV 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Wits Downstairs Theatre
Johannesburg, South Africa
Wits Downstairs Theatre Johannesburg, South Africa
AUG 01, 2001 - AUG 30, 2001
The Moonbox
Pretoria, South Africa
The Moonbox Pretoria, South Africa
JUL 01, 2001 - JUL 30, 2001
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
Grahamstown, South Africa
Grahamstown National Arts Festival Grahamstown, South Africa
JUL 01, 2001 - JUL 30, 2001
Space-Frame Theatre
Johannesburg, South Africa
Space-Frame Theatre Johannesburg, South Africa
No upcoming productions.
AUG 01, 2002 - AUG 30, 2002
The Rendezvous, State Theatre
Pretoria, South Africa
The Rendezvous, State Theatre Pretoria, South Africa

Awards (2)

Nominated for South Africa's highest stage award, the FNB-Vita

Adjudicators Special Trophy, SANATA 2001