Q&A with South African actor Kai Luke Brümmer

We had the pleasure of sitting down with South African actor Kai Luke Brümmer as he prepares for his newest theatrical endeavour, the stage adaptation of ‘Moffie’.

This manufacturing is about to have its world premiere on the Riverside Studios in London. Kai, a London-based actor, has graced quite a few phases with standout performances in productions like Athol Fugard’s “Grasp Harold… and the Boys” and “The Curious Incident of the Canine within the Evening-Time,” for which he clinched a Naledi Award for Finest Actor. Kai has additionally gained worldwide acclaim by his roles in movies and sequence reminiscent of “Moffie,” “Professionals” alongside Brendon Fraser, “Eraser”, “Vagrant Queen”, and “Desert Rose”.

Celebrated as the most effective new up-and-comers on the Venice Movie Competition by The Guardian UK, and described as ‘mesmerising’ and ‘magnetic’ by The Hollywood Reporter, Kai continues to captivate audiences together with his dynamic performances.

We spoke to Kai about his experiences transitioning this story from display screen to stage and the profound insights he brings to his function in “Moffie”.

Transitioning Moffie from display screen to stage

What was your preliminary encounter with the novel “Moffie” like?

After I first began making ready for the movie which was produced in 2019, I picked the guide up for analysis, however I shortly realised that the screenplay and the novel are very totally different, so I made a decision to only concentrate on the screenplay. Solely just lately, for the reason that conceptualization of the stage adaptation, have I been capable of actually delve into the novel. It’s heartbreaking, troublesome, revealing and one way or the other extremely stuffed with hope.

How do you’re feeling about adapting “Moffie” from movie to stage? Are there any challenges for you as an actor reprising a task you first did on display screen?

Properly, there aren’t any challenges with this adaptation because the play relies on the novel fairly than the movie. That being stated, being barely older, revisiting comparable themes and attempting to determine methods to make this story very important for the stage is at all times a problem, however, after I learn Philip Rademeyer’s script, all my worries light away. Philip has created one thing very lean and muscular and it’s an thrilling problem to rise to it and do justice to the textual content he has given us.

How has your South African heritage formed your portrayal of the character in each movie and theatre?

I’m one of many ‘Rainbow Nation’ youngsters. I used to be born simply earlier than the primary democratic elections in SA in 1994 and I grew up largely in a free South Africa. The world I’ve grown up in is vastly totally different from that of my dad and mom. I’d be remiss to not acknowledge that my forebears have been a part of a system that fought towards the fact that I grew up in. A system that systematically oppressed folks of color. Telling this story, a narrative of a white South African who, whether or not willingly or not, fought for Apartheid is at all times a sophisticated ask. However, on the similar time, it’s a enormous privilege to be given the chance to delve into my heritage warts and all. I suppose my first query was at all times, why didn’t they or this character consciously object – this turns into an important query as a result of it challenges me as an ‘nearly born free’ to actually attempt to perceive this particular time in South African historical past.

How has your relationship with director Greg Karvellas advanced in adapting “Moffie” to the stage?

Greg has been superb, I do know that he and Philip labored collectively tirelessly to get the script to what it’s now. We have now talked lots about what this play means and what we need to say with it. Greg is not any stranger to this materials, and his eager eye and delicate steering have been there to shepherd me by my preparation. Let’s not overlook that the person can be producing the play, and so I recognize his capability to put on many alternative hats with grace.

How does making ready for a one-man present differ from making ready for a movie with a full solid?

I had already been a stage actor for a few years earlier than doing the movie. In a number of methods, dwell efficiency is my consolation zone. That being stated, a one-person present is a large enterprise, and it may be scary at occasions. However, if we are able to get it proper (and with this superb workforce I believe it’s greater than doable) it will likely be one thing actually particular.

What new insights do you goal to discover within the stage model of “Moffie”?

We’re telling a narrative a few younger white conscript in Apartheid South Africa. The parallels between the South African apartheid state and the genocide that’s at the moment being perpetuated in Palestine are too quite a few. I need to discover the white settler colonialism mentality/psyche. I need to discover and decorticate the “want” for guilt and victimization that white settler colonialists have leaned into all through historical past. I need to painting a narrative which will resonate with audiences recollecting previous occasions whereas discovering parallels with present ones.

Why ought to audiences see “Moffie” dwell on stage, and what makes this adaptation important?

It’s a play about love, loss, hope and in a approach a cry for acceptance. I believe it’s an extremely transferring piece and to have the ability to put it on on the Riverside Studios is such a privilege. We’re working our asses off to carry you one thing difficult but playful and I do hope you come and see it.

“Moffie” opens on the Riverside Studios on 5 June and can run till 30 June.

Tickets are priced at £25 for common admission and £19.50 for concessions. 

Tickets may be booked straight by the Riverside Studios web site.