This one man play is a stage adaptation of Athol Fugard's riveting short story 'To whom it MUST concern'. It portrays the quest of a Karoo train driver, after his life is derailed by a tragic event. The play was awarded the Patrick Mynhardt prize for best production at the Fugard Festival (Richmond).

'The woman with a baby on her back' is the result of a collaboration between Pieter van Zyl (actor) and Thomas Leabhart (director and senior professor in drama at the Pomona College, California). The play was given its first performances at the Seaver Theatre, California to an international audience. The success of these performances is testament to the universal and deeply human message of the play. The run at the Alexander Theatre pays homage to Athol Fugard who turns 85 in June 2018.

Fugard's short story 'To whom it MUST concern' forms the basis of his play 'The Train Driver'. When Pieter van Zyl (actor) and Thomas Leabhart (director) approached Fugard and asked his permission to make an entirely new stage adaptation of his short story - this time for a one man performance - Fugard re-acted with enthusiasm and generosity. The result is a play that is new and original. Neither actor nor director has seen or read 'The Train Driver'.

Athol Fugard is one of South Africa's most esteemed playwrights. He is also known for the 2005 Academy Award-winning film of his novel Tsotsi. The recipient of many awards and honorary degrees, Fugard is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Pieter van Zyl (actor) has studied acting at the Akademie of Dramakuns where he was taught by Babs Laker. He continued his theatre studies in London, Paris and California, specializing in the corporeal mime technique of Etienne Decroux. In London, as a member of Theatre de l'Ange Fou, he performed 'Entangled Lives (Tardieux) and 'The Government Inspector (Gogol); and in California in 'Spoonriver Anthology' (Masters), 'Maid to Marry' (Ionesco). In South Africa he created plays that were much influenced by his study of corporeal mime: 'On a green footpath', 'BREAD' and 'When the Saints go marching in'. For the Spier production of 'The Great Gatsby' by Peter Joucla, he played the character of Wilson. Pieter recently recorded a reading of Carina Stander's novel 'Die Bergengel' for RSG radio. Pieter also has a Master's degree in music and continues to work as a musician.

Thomas Leabhart (director) is Professor of Theatre and Resident Artist at the Pomona College, Claremont. He frequently teaches and performs in Europe, Asia and North and South America. His specific area of scholarship is Etienne Decroux, with whom he studied from 1968 - 1972. Thomas Leabhart is a much published writer on the subject of corporeal mime.

Audience Responses

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

The show was gripping! i thoroughly enjoyed it. 5 out of 5 stars

Oustanding acting - life and lost and comming full cirle

rather thought provoking

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Excellent performance

The performance by Pieter van Zyl was outstanding. One can only say that the way in which he changed from one character to another - switching his speech, accent and manner - was brilliant. It was of a world-class standard Noise on the ceiling and faint music in the background during the last 15 minutes of the performance were somewhat distracting.

This was my first visit to The Alexander. This was the most intense play I've ever seen. Somehow though I left feeling happy.

rather thought provoking

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

fabulous performance by Mr Van Zyl. good show. Kind regards. Tony 5 star performance

A very powerful performance by an amazing actor. Was riveted all the way through.

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

fabulous performance by Mr Van Zyl. good show. Kind regards. Tony 5 star performance

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Excellent! Loved the play, loved the actor, loved the facilities.

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Such brilliant acting-- a super relevant show. Many thanks!!!!Please bring Pieter van Zyl back in FUTURE!!!!!

Excellent portrayal of the main character and other characters by one person. There was a genuineness in the performance.

Extremely well acted but could be trimmed by about 10 minutes...

We were captivated by the story. Pieter van Zyl is a very talented person and we enjoyed it thoroughly.