Elkanah House presents : Die Kleur van Genade (The Colour of Grace)

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF AFRIKAANS LANGUAGE & HERITAGE

This year marks a significant milestone for Afrikaans, as the language celebrates its centenary as an official language of South Africa.  The Elkanah House Afrikaans Department proudly presents "Die Kleur van Genade". This one-act play was written by the Head of Department, Kobus Grobler, specifically to honour this centenary.

The production tells the story of a passionate Afrikaans teacher (Luca Lorio) wrestling with personal guilt, societal perceptions, and lingering demons from his past. His interactions with students - played by Sam Lawrence, Nicole Ceaser, and Azrah Jakoet—bring to the fore varied perspectives on Afrikaans in a modern, diverse society.

When Meneer van der Merwe announces that his students will be performing in an Afrikaans concert, the decision sparks a wave of mixed reactions, revealing tensions between the teacher and his pupils. The unsympathetic principal, portrayed by Melissa Scott, adds to Meneer van der Merwe’s struggles, leaving him increasingly isolated. The narrative takes a tragic turn, ultimately raising poignant questions about the future of Afrikaans and its relevance in contemporary South Africa.

One of the play's most powerful moments is the reimagining of the classic Afrikaans song, "Al lê die berge nog so blou", performed as a rap by Riley Gordon, offering a glimpse of how Afrikaans might evolve to bridge its past with a vibrant and inclusive future.

The Afrikaans Department invites the school community and the public to join in the celebrations and reflect on the journey of Afrikaans over the past century.

Get your tickets now ... you don't want to miss this!