Gqeberha’s Savoy Theatre is no stranger to bold, heartfelt performances and this month, it’s all about laughs with the return of PEAAT (Performing Arts Education and Theatre) to the stage. Their Afrikaans comedy Ma skryf Matriek is running from 15 to 19 July, and promises the kind of clever storytelling and character-driven humour that keeps audiences coming back.
Written by Louis de Villiers and directed by local theatre legend Marlene Pieterse, the production follows Bella Taljaart, a woman who secretly decides to get her matric certificate after years of being underestimated, especially by her own husband. What follows is a whirlwind of family chaos, secrets, nosy neighbours and a surprising amount of heart.
The cast includes South African film and TV favourite Ruan Wessels as Neelsie Taljaart, alongside Emercia de Lange as Bella, Cobus Lombard as Sias, and Daneel Strydom as the smooth-talking tutor, Doctor Smal. Melandie Koekemoer, Riaan Erasmus, and Mariné Botha round out the cast.
Performances start nightly at 19:30, with a matinee show at 15:00 on Saturday 19 July. Tickets are available via Quicket.
For PEAAT, this marks a big moment. It’s their first production at the Savoy in over 20 years — their last appearance was all the way back in 2002. Their return brings a fresh dose of Afrikaans comedic flair to the Savoy’s increasingly eclectic programme.
Impact Community Theatre Company President Rose Cowpar shared her excitement about the production, saying: “Having PEAAT back is a huge moment for us. It shows how much trust there is in the venue and the team. And it’s exciting to see straight comedy being embraced alongside our usual musicals and revues.”
Ma skryf Matriek offers a story many will recognise, about chasing your dreams, proving people wrong and finding humour in the middle of everyday life. It’s relatable, it’s uplifting, and it’s proudly local.
041 Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute – PEAAT fans and Afrikaans theatre lovers have been waiting two decades for this comeback. Grab your tickets early.
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