AWARD-winning playwright and director Louis Viljoen’s new gripping tale, The Sin Drinkers, explores broken people on an intoxicated journey in pursuit of redemption. It premieres at the Baxter’s Masambe Theatre from 23 April to 11 May 2024.
Frank, a practised booze-hound and a hunter of people, tracks down his daughter’s best friend in the hopes of unearthing secrets and solving a mystery that has caused a rot in his soul. Theresa, an aimless young woman masking her regrets with debauchery and a sharp tongue, reluctantly invites Frank into her life to rectify the mistakes in her past. What follows is a darkly comedic, whisky-soaked journey into the pitch-black parts of the human psyche.
With The Sin Drinkers, writer and director Louis Viljoen reunites with broadcasting legend John Maytham and acclaimed actor Emma Kotze to tell a story of shattered lives and the dark truths that slither under people’s skins.
Viljoen has been described as a playwright who creates worlds and characters that are gleefully devious. His ability to construct extraordinary narratives out of ordinary situations, entertains in an unashamedly unconventional manner. Viljoen acknowledges his aim is not to create theatre for everyone, but for those who appreciate pushing boundaries. His plays are often peppered with dark humour, biting wit, and intense emotional exploration. With a fearless yet philosophic approach, he uses profanity and explicit sexual references as tools with which to expose human cruelty, power struggles and the darkness that lurks beneath the seedy underbelly of life. Social taboos feed the thought-provoking boldness of his work, which isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The Sin Drinkers carries an age restriction of 18 for explicit language and scenes of a sexual nature. Tickets are available online through Webtickets and range from R130 to R170 per person. More info here.
PHOTO CREDIT: Claude Bernado
