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What if the world believed everyone was equal?

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What if the world believed everyone was equal? What would happen if a European icon was paraded around Africa as Sara Baartman was paraded around Europe? What if Sara Baartman never travelled to Europe? What if we knew who Sara Baartman was, stripped of her iconic ‘Hottentot Venus’ image.

Return Of The Moon – A glimpse of Sara Baartman is about the prejudices of Europe juxtaposed against the good reports of Europeans visiting Southern Africa. This is seen through quotes and comments made by prominent European people of the age. This is then contrasted by an African view as seen through the speech given at the funeral of Sara Baartman. We follow Sara though her crossing the ocean and her display in London as The Hottentot Venus. We hear Sara’s voice as she speaks to the London legal fraternity – possibly the only time we have her recorded voice. We follow her on her journey on the fair circuit and finally her time in Paris. The play exposes truths and insights gained through extensive research. Interwoven are the stories of the Khoi-Khoi, the indigenous peoples and how they relate to the Euro-centric world view. This is not the story of the Hottentot Venus, but rather a small glimpse into who Sara was, what she went through and how she felt. It is an insight into the world she lived in from the limited information we have. The question still remains – Who was Sara Baartman?

RETURN OF THE MOON – A glimpse of Sara Baartman is written and directed by Robert Lourens. Cast – Bennie Gerber, Kehly Windvogel, Marcia Ntoni, Marianah Lourens, Nina Fillis & Phillip Cowie.

Robert has been involved with Theatre since 1973 as a Stage Manger/Director, Lighting Designer, Producer and Sound Engineer. He has worked for P.A.C.T., The Baxter Theatre and Lester’s Theatre. He has worked on Drama, Ballet and Musical productions with world renowned actors and directors. The idea of writing and producing shows, all started with the musical productions of ‘Destined to Win’ and ‘Under the Boardwalk’, which he wrote, coordinated and produced with his wife Marianah. The writing of drama plays, however, started seriously in 2005 when he heard a challenge – that we all need to tell our stories. Robert attended a writing workshop with Roy Sargeant and his short play ‘Legacy’ was produced under the direction of Marlene Pieterse. Since then it has become a love affair to create theatrical journeys and to explore different aspects of the art of writing. His production ‘The Road’ won the regional PANSA new script writing competition and was produced by the PE Opera House in July 2017.

Robert is married to Marianah, collectively has four children and eight grandchildren, even though he is still a spring chicken. He is also involved in tourism as a National Tourist Guide and he and his wife own Jikeleza Lodge Backpackers. They also help people to achieve financial freedom with the SSD concept.

Return of the Moon runs from 20 to 23 June 2018 at The Barn Theatre, PE Opera House. Admission is R100.00 Single and R150.00 Double whilst Students and Pensioners are R50.00

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.