‘Lammie Beukes’ hits Lüderitz

The legend of ‘Lammie Beukes’ is headed to Lüderitz as Jonathan Sasha (‘Die Stoep’) takes the directing reins on the celebrated theatre production. 

Written by reverend Severius Majiedt and acclaimed in Namibia and South Africa, ‘Lammie Beukes’ opens auditions for its November run in both Windhoek and Lüderitz this week.

Auditions will take place at Windhoek’s National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on 10 and 11 September from 16h00 to 18h00, and at Lüderitz’s Waterfront Auditorium on 17 September from 11h00 to 16h00. 

Produced by the NTN and presented in partnership with the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company, the theatre production is seeking an Afrikaans-speaking cast to revive the fan favourite.

According to the NTN, the story goes that Lammie has three children with three different men and is pregnant yet again. 

Life comes at Lammie fast, but she gets by with a little help from her friends, the blind Sticks and the fabulous Ruby. 

A play exploring issues of single motherhood, absent fathers, social stigma and resilience, ‘Lammie Beukes’ is casting 10 primary characters.

Actors must be fluent in Afrikaans and available for rehearsal in Windhoek from 12 October to 20 November. 

Production dates are 27 and 28 November at Lüderitz. Selected actors must be available for the full rehearsal and performance period. 

The character list and script pages are available at ntn.org.na. Actors must memorise the script for their chosen character and arrive 30 minutes before their audition. 

Successful candidates will be contracted and remunerated for their participation in the production. 

While ‘Lammie Beukes’ has enjoyed a considerable life span, Jonathan Sasha is excited to take the directing chair, particularly for its iteration in the south of Namibia.

“To be approached by NTN to be the director for this, something not only iconic nationally, but which has great cultural significance to me is an amazing, euphoric feeling,” he says. 

“To be the next in line to bring it to life is truly an honour.”

‘Lammie Beukes’ was notably staged at the NTN in 2014, directed by Senga Brockerhoff and starring Hazel Hinda as Lammie.

“I did not see the 2014 version. But I did see the original many years ago. It was one of those experiences that opened my eyes to the fact that I could also be telling similar stories one day,” says Jonathan Sasha.

“The language, the home it takes place in, the character, all felt like home to me. Since it is taking place in the south, I really hope to bring that flavour to stage – something people can relate to and see themselves in.”

While Namibia’s theatre scene isn’t often a place for theatrical revivals, ‘Lammie Beukes’ is a story that endures.

“I think Severius Majiedt did something not a lot of writers/directors can pull off nowadays and it’s the sincerity and rawness of the play. The play is unapologetically Baster and it also transcends the culture it’s set in,” Jonathan Sasha says.

“It tells a story so many mothers face in this country, regardless of race and culture. The economic and social struggles faced by Lammie speak to a lot of people and that’s why this play will always be relevant in Namibia.”

Much like Jonathan Sasha’s acclaimed ‘Die Stoep’, ‘Lammie Beukes’ is an Afrikaans play and, for the director, this aspect is significant.

“Afrikaans is near and dear to me. Its history, relevance and flavour. I wish to decolonise the language. I believe it’s a language that speaks to the resilience of slaves of the Cape – having to adapt to survive. 

“It’s a bit unfortunate that the history of Afrikaans is filled with so much pain as it was a language once colonised, then used to oppress,” he says.

“Having the opportunity to direct a play written in the language – how I know it and how I love it – means more to me than I can express, and not necessarily the ‘suiwer Afrikaans’ as people say.”

The director invites anybody who believes in themselves and the cultural importance of the story to audition.

“I want any and all Namibians to feel free to come and explore this world. Afrikaans doesn’t just belong to one group, but to all who speak it and contribute to its growth and flavour,” he says.

“Come through and have fun! Be yourself. The theatre is the best place to be exactly that.”

For audition scripts and more information, visit ntn.org.na

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