A New Stage: Kai Luke Brümmer’s Journey from Screen to Theatre

South African actor Kai Luke Brümmer is taking his award-winning role from the film ‘Moffie’ to the theatrical stage, presenting a fresh perspective on an already celebrated story. Brümmer’s performances have received critical acclaim, and he is eager to delve deeper into the narrative on stage. With a South African heritage and experience in live performances, Brümmer is ready to tackle the challenge and present a compelling theatrical experience for audiences. The play is set to premiere at the Riverside Studios in London on 5th June.

A New Stage: Kai Luke Brümmer’s Journey from Screen to Theatre

Discover how South African actor Kai Luke Brümmer transitions from screen to stage as he takes on the role of a white South African soldier in the theatrical adaptation of ‘Moffie’. With a fresh perspective on a familiar tale, Brümmer’s performances have consistently garnered acclaim. The play is set to premiere at the Riverside Studios in London on 5th June.

At the dawn of an exciting new phase in his blossoming career, Kai Luke Brümmer, a South African actor based in London, is set to captivate viewers anew as he reprises his role from the celebrated film ‘Moffie’, but this time on the theatrical stage. Having recently bagged a prestigious Naledi Award for Best Actor, Brümmer is poised to revisit a story that has already created a stir in the cinema, delving into it with a renewed outlook.

A Fresh Perspective on a Familiar Tale

Scheduled to make its global debut at the Riverside Studios in London, the theatrical rendition of ‘Moffie’ will showcase Brümmer’s ability to deliver a gripping, emotionally charged performance. His prior roles in plays such as Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold… and the Boys” and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” bear witness to his extraordinary acting abilities. Brümmer’s performances have consistently garnered acclaim. He was named one of the best emerging stars at the Venice Film Festival by The Guardian UK and his performances were described as ‘spellbinding’ and ‘captivating’ by The Hollywood Reporter.

Brümmer first became familiar with the story of ‘Moffie’ in 2019 while preparing for the film. However, he confesses that the theatrical adaptation has deepened his understanding of the novel. The poignant, challenging, yet ultimately hopeful narrative is laden with revealing insights that Brümmer is eager to explore on stage.

Transitioning from Screen to Stage

While the film and novel versions of ‘Moffie’ have distinct narratives, Brümmer focused primarily on the screenplay during the film’s creation. However, his return to the novel for the stage adaptation has allowed him to probe further into the storyline. Despite his initial doubts about transitioning from screen to stage, Brümmer found comfort in the meticulously drafted script by Philip Rademeyer, who crafted a tight, potent narrative.

Brümmer’s South African roots play a crucial role in his depiction of the central character in both the film and theatre versions of ‘Moffie’. Born on the cusp of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Brümmer’s outlook starkly contrasts with that of his parents’ generation. As a child of the ‘Rainbow Nation’, he grew up in a vastly different world – a liberated South Africa. His depiction of a white South African soldier who, willingly or otherwise, fought for Apartheid, is a challenging undertaking, but it also presents the chance to deeply explore his heritage and a specific epoch in South African history.

Collaboration and Preparation for the Role

Brümmer’s collaboration with director Greg Karvellas involved numerous discussions about the play’s intended message and purpose. With a keen eye for detail and gentle guidance, Karvellas has helped Brümmer prepare comprehensively for the role.

Despite the formidable challenge of performing alone in ‘Moffie’, Brümmer, an experienced stage actor, feels at ease in live performances. Armed with the backing of a skilled team, he is ready to tackle the challenge and looks forward to delivering a riveting theatrical experience.

In ‘Moffie’s’ theatre adaptation, Brümmer is excited to unearth new perspectives, drawing comparisons between white settler colonialism and the current situation in Palestine, and scrutinising the mindset of white settler colonialists. He aims to present a narrative that resonates with viewers, reflecting on historical events and their contemporary parallels.

A Riveting Narrative Comes to Life

‘Moffie’, a play about love, loss, hope, and a plea for acceptance, is slated to premiere at the Riverside Studios on 5th June and will be running until 30th June. With ticket prices set at £25 for general admission and £19.50 for concessions, audiences can anticipate a challenging yet engaging performance as Brümmer and his team strive to bring this compelling narrative to life.

1. Who is Kai Luke Brümmer?

Kai Luke Brümmer is a South African actor based in London, known for his award-winning role in the film ‘Moffie’, and now transitioning to the theatrical stage.

2. What is ‘Moffie’?

‘Moffie’ is a novel by Andre Carl van der Merwe, based on his own experiences as a gay soldier drafted into South Africa’s military during Apartheid. It was adapted into a film in 2019, and now a theatrical play.

3. What is the premise of ‘Moffie’?

The story follows a young white South African soldier who is drafted and sent to the Angolan border during Apartheid, and his struggles with his sexuality and the brutality of the military.

4. What is Brümmer’s role in the play?

Brümmer plays the central character, the young soldier, in both the film and theatre versions of ‘Moffie’.

5. What can audiences expect from the play?

Audiences can anticipate a challenging yet engaging performance as Brümmer and his team strive to bring this compelling narrative to life. The play is set to premiere at the Riverside Studios in London on 5th June and will be running until 30th June.

6. How has Brümmer prepared for the role?

Brümmer’s collaboration with director Greg Karvellas involved numerous discussions about the play’s intended message and purpose. Karvellas has helped Brümmer prepare comprehensively for the role. Despite the formidable challenge of performing alone in ‘Moffie’, Brümmer, an experienced stage actor, feels at ease in live performances.