The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggins Aardklop look forward to presenting the premiere productions of Laaitie mettie biscuits, a compelling new Afrikaans play written and directed by renowned theatre-maker, Christo Davids. The play will run from 24 – 28 September 2024 at Momentum Beleggings Aardklop in Potchefstroom, before coming to the Market Theatre for a season starting from 2 – 27 October 2024.
This gripping story by Davids tells the story of Noah – a teenage boy who is mentally challenged and dreams of becoming a policeman, and of looking after his mother and his community. Thematically, Laaitie mettie biscuits offers a critical assessment of how societies treat people living with disabilities, while honestly interrogating policing ethics, injustices, community safety and human rights. Moreover, it confronts what and who societies consider normal, fearlessly exposing our bias against those who don’t look like us.
Speaking as both the writer and director of the work, Davids shares, “The question we must answer is: What and who is normal? Is Noah abnormal in a normal community? Or is Noah normal in an abnormal community…?”
The brilliant cast includes Wayne van Rooyen, Stephanie Baartman, Carla Classen and Joshwin Dyson. The creative team alongside Davids is completed by Jade Bowers’s set design, Jak Brits designing lighting, and Mariska Meyer designing the costumes.
According to the Market Theatre’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, this production presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation in ensuring inclusivity and dignity for all. “The Market Theatre has always been at the centre of critical conversations about topical issues. As a space, we continuously stage bold productions that prick at our collective conscience as a nation, hold authorities accountable and affirm our shared humanity. With courageous honesty, outrageous brilliance and contagious humour, Laaitie mettie biscuits will awaken South Africans to the lived experiences of those on the periphery because they were born ‘different’,” remarks Greg Homann.
Homann emphasises the timeliness of this important production, following the crowning of Mia Le Roux as the first ever Miss SA with a disability. This captivating play is presented at a profound moment when the arts and social reality are at an intersection. As the nation celebrates the crowning of a Miss South Africa emerging from our society where living with disability, inclusion, diversity and the protection of the marginalised reclaim their place in our national discourse. Laaitie mettie biscuits by the award-winning Davids illustrates the power of using the arts to advocate for the freedoms of others, speak truth to power and become a voice for the unheard.
Christo Davids is not a stranger to bold theatre and the representation of the marginalised. Laaitie mettie biscuits follows up on his award-winning Queenie-they, which highlighted the plight of homeless people. Davids is a prolific actor, theatre and filmmaker who has established himself as a darling in the hearts of many audiences. Boasting a decades-long career that includes roles in SABC 2’s 7de Laan, The Boy Called Twist and Forgiveness.
Laaitie mettie biscuits will debut at Aardklop in Potchefstroom at the end of September before immediately transferring to The Market Theatre where it will run through most of October. Be sure to catch this brand new play which will do doubt make the audience laugh and, of course, cry. You will not be left untouched!