Die Fel Omstrede Kroon van Edward II en Gaveston by Tom Lanoye, one of Flanders'most famous novelists and playwrights, comes to the Baxter Flipside for a limited season, from 16 to 27 January 2024. Lanoye’s work is well known in South Africa and he is famous for award-winning plays such as Koningin Lear, Mamma Medea and Bloed en Rose.

This captivating performance, presented in Afrikaans with English surtitles, draws inspiration from Christopher Marlowe's 1594 work, "Edward II." Marlowe, a contemporary and rival of Shakespeare, himself happily reworked the tragic history of King Edward II of England who was deposed in 1327 after a messy reign and was then, possibly, murdered by the nobles. Under the direction and design of Marthinus Basson, the production boasts an exceptional ensemble. Edwin van der Walt steps into the shoes of Edward II, with Beer Adriaanse portraying Gaveston, Rolanda Marais as Queen Isabella, Caleb Payne as the young crown prince, André Roothman as old king and old Mortimer and Wilhelm van der Walt as young Mortimer. Music is by David Wolfswinkel and lighting design by Nicolaas de Jongh.

The question arises: ‘what does it mean to wear the crown and how do you reconcile your own needs with the expectations of the nobility and the mob, as well as those of your wife and child?’ These questions have been much discussed recently after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the succession of the present king with the complex history between king and ex-wife, the conflict between parent and children and the added tension between public and political sentiments.

Directed by Marthinus Basson
Cast: Edwin van der Walt, Beer Adriaanse, Rolanda Marais, Caleb Payne, André Roothman, and Wilhelm van der Walt.
Script: Tom Lanoye

Location: Baxter Flipside Theatre - Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Tickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1539219192

Please note there is an age restriction of 16 years (nudity and language).