The Department of Drama Studies at the Durban University of Technology is delighted to bring to the Courtyard Theatre an exclusive production titled “Karl Valentin in Africa”. Staging rights for the work, granted by Drei Masken Verlag GmbH München, will see “Karl Valentin in Africa” staged nightly at 7 pm from Saturday, 23 February to Friday, 1 March 2013.

The production features physical slapstick in scenes and sketches written by Bavarian writer Karl Valentin. The compilation of four scenes from Valentin’s work is translated into English by Dr Pamela Tancsik, a senior lecturer in the DUT Drama Studies programme, and Durban playwright Gisele Turner. Dr Tancsik also wrote a fifth scene for the production. The cast includes students from the first, second and third-year groups.

Valentin, although not well known outside of Bavaria, was a master of absurd comedy and satire. His style inspired German poet, playwright and theatre director Bertolt Brecht. “Valentin was once described as the mathematician of humour – the reason why his work is hardly known outside of Bavaria is the language which is difficult to translate into another idiom. This is the first attempt to translate Valentin into English but as humour is international, laughter knows no borders,” said Dr Tancsik.

This will be the first selection of Valentin’s scenes to be presented on the African continent. “Karl Valentin in Africa” will present a charming and poignant insight into a timeless genre of absurdist theatre.

– Naledi Hlefane

Pictured: Absurd comedy at its best. Drama studies students replay a scene by Bavarian writer Karl Valentin where a photographer takes pictures of a baby while his camera lens is closed.