Epical in vision and telling, and emotionally overpowering in content, Ons Vir Jou is a musical experience you will definitely never forget; even after seeing it twice in Pretoria, a third viewing confirms its stature as one of the most significant South African musicals ever produced.
Yes, this daring and ambitious musical about the Anglo-Boer War tackles a controversial part of South Africa's history head-on with bravado, gusto and passion, and one that most people want to ignore, but like Ngema's Zulu, Kramer's District Six or Pelham's Santa's Story, we are living in a multicultural society in which our stories serve the equality we strive for and deserve to be celebrated with respect and understanding.
Set during the Anglo-Boer War and telling an important part of Afrikaner history, it's not just a story about war, but a poignant love story of young lovers caught up in a war they cannot escape, and patriotic Boers whose passion for their country leads to tragic consequences that aptly reflect our recent history of farm evictions and persecution. It's also a moving and tearful journey into the heart of the formidable General Koos de La Rey, in search of a David to conquer Goliath, and sacrificing his greatest love.
Produced and skilfully directed by Deon Opperman, who co-wrote the powerful text with Sean Els, with strikingly haunting music and lyrics by Johan Vorster, Ons Vir Jou is a spectacular musical drama that delivers world-class entertainment and first-rate escapism.
Although it is an Afrikaans musical, interspersed with English dialogue, it is definitely not only for Afrikaans-speaking audiences, but will delight anyone who can appreciate a good story well told.
Opperman is indeed one of our greatest writers in South Africa, and visionary whose interpretation of his heartfelt and meaningful texts result in authoritative storytelling and magnificent story making.
The heavenly team of Else and Vorster, whose hit song De La Rey has become an important part of our musical history and culture, also teamed up for the epical musicals Shaka Zulu and Jock of the Bushveld; and Els also teamed up with Opperman for the film Platteland.
It is theatre like Ons Vir Jou that stirs a nostalgic and emotional awareness of our past history, a clash between cultures, languages and beliefs that is as relevant today as when the young Boer warriors saluted General Koos de La Rey - and, yes, when the De La Rey anthem is powerfully delivered by the male chorus, it will shake you to the core.
What separates Ons Vir Jou from so many musicals that are staged in South Africa, is that it is home-grown, and proudly so; a production we can truly salute as our own.
Ons Vir Jou's vibrant characters and the world they live in are vividly brought to life through imaginative set design by Stan Knight, with sound design by Trevor Peters, lighting design by Gerda Kruger, and costumes by Sarah Roberts. The creative team perfectly captures epical moments like the Battle at Magersfontein, a Boer camp and concentration camp outside Mafeking, as well as intimate moments in De la Rey's farmhouse. An interesting aspect of the production is how the commanding musical numbers are integrated into the overall design, allow for a filmic realism to blend the action.
It would be a sin to give away too much of some of the spectacular and heartbreaking moments that culminate in an emotional and tearful experience.
Rouel Beukes is sensational in the role of General Koos de la Rey, having done 1350 performances of this role, with great support from Zanne Stepelberg as his wife. Equally potent is Vaughan Gardiner as the passionate Adaan de la Rey with Lyall Ramsden in top form at the English soldier Thomas Crawford; the story of these two young men who fought on different sides of the war will be long remembered. Their love interests are played with zest and vigour by Marisa Drümmond as Nonnie (who delivers a mesmering Vergeet My Nie), with Sasha Strobel as Meisie de la Rey.
One of the many highlights is Cobus Venter as Adaan de la Rey's younger brother, with great support from Fezile Mpela as their loyal and trusted farmhand. Stephen Jennings is superb as Lord Methuen, with David Chatworthy stealing the show with his incarnation of Lord Milner.
Philip Moolman makes an imposing President Paul Kruger, with Neels Coetzee as the prophet Siener van Rensburg whose words "I see, you see, and they must still see ... " echoes the tragedy that befalls the characters. The cast work exceedingly well together as an ensemble, serving full justice to the epical scale of the musical.
A shining tribute to Afrikaner patriotism and the spirit of ubuntu, Ons Vir Jou clearly shows the result of mean-spirited revenge and how peaceful retribution and redemption will not only prevent bloodlust, but build a solid and proud nation. Ons Vir Jou opens a window to the appalling absurdity of warfare and those who perpetrate power and abuse to gratify their malicious intent, but also shows how this malevolent force can destroy and unite a family.
In the musical our country is referred to as an "idealistic country of dreams"; truth hits home during the powerful climax, when we realise that hope and faith definitely fuels our dreams and tranquil humanity. Ultimately, Ons Vir Jou significantly shows that compassion is the flame that keeps humanity burning bright, how heroic actions and true heroes are born out of passion and loyalty. Yes, Ons Vir Jou is a stirring sentimental journey, but its emotion is sincere and connects with our beliefs and believing, reflecting a moment in the show stating that "every person who looks into their soul will find hope in the darkness of despair".
Capetonians should do whatever they can to make use of this rare opportunity to see a musical of this stature; one that's poetic and lyrical musical score can easily compare with the likes of Les Miserables; it's not a musical in the tradition of Mamma Mia, Liefling or Pretville. If you are looking for an evening of wholesome entertainment to share with friends and family, Ons Vir Jou offers a perfect opportunity to unite and leave the theatre with a song in your heart. There's also the bonus of purchasing the music soundtrack at the end of the show, which you will most definitely play at home or in the car to relive the magic.
Read more about the show at www.writingstudio.co.za/page4561.html
Ons Vir Jou is on at the Artscape Opera until 26 October. Book at Computicket.
