A song of hope and change. Pacific Theatre is proud to present Valley Songby Athol Fugard, originally produced by The Gateway Theatre. When a nation undergoes sweeping reform, it’s not just policy that has to change: it’s people’s lives that get caught in the struggle. In this inter-generational tale, set in the aftermath of apartheid in South Africa, the tension between old and new makes its way into the relationship between a young woman and her grandfather.
Abraam “Buks” Jonker has been a pumpkin farmer his whole life, working land that never belonged to him. For him, land, tradition, and family are everything, and the only family he has left is his granddaughter, Veronica. Having devoted her life to caring for her grandfather, she yearns to take advantage of her new freedom and become a singer in Johannesburg. Added into the mix is a character of The Playwright, a white man who wants to buy the land where Abraam lives and works, potentially leaving him homeless.
For actor David Adams, this story is close to his heart: “I was born Klerllnge or Coloured (mixed race) during apartheid in South Africa,” he says. “I’ve always been fascinated by how my people have adapted to the new government structure without institutionalized racism at its core. Now that everyone has the ‘freedom’ to be, how have the old ways and deeply rooted caste system changed – or have they?”
“I am thrilled to be revisiting Valley Song by the great Athol Fugard,” says director, and Gateway Theatre Artistic Director, Jovanni Sy. “Pacific Theatre is the perfect second home for this jewel of a play. Though written very specifically at the end of apartheid, Fugard tells a timeless tale of innocence, experience, and the redemptive power of love.”
ARTISTIC TEAM
Directed by Jovanni Sy. Featuring David Adams and Sereana Malani. Set Design by Drew Facey. Costume Design by Barbara Clayden. Composition by Cathy Nosaty. Stage Management by Yvonne Yip.
Details: VALLEY SONG by Athol Fugard
When: Mar 24-Apr 8, Weds-Sat at 8pm with 2pm matinees Sats and Sun, Mar 2
Where: Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave (at Hemlock), Vancouver, BC
Tickets: $23.95-34.95 (not incl. taxes or fee), to book visit pacifictheatre.org or call 604.731.5518
VALLEY SONG by Athol Fugard originally produced by The Gateway Theatre
