Applause as Bolanle Austen-Peters’ ‘Dear Kaffy’ Tours South Africa
Tosin Clegg
There is palpable excitement and applause from thespians and theatre goers as ‘Dear Kaffi’, the popular play directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters continues its tour of South Africa.
With its rich Nigerian cast, the play had opened to critical acclaim in Pretoria on February 27th.
The tour was at the invitation of the South African State Theatre, whose partnership with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions is promoting a two-week tour of the play across several theatres in South Africa, according to a statement.
“We are using this collaboration to bridge cultural gaps,” Austen-Peters who is leading the cast and crew of the outstanding play as director cum producer said.
According to the multi-talented lawyer turned theatre producer and film director, “the reception was electrifying”, adding that the tour will be “two weeks of extreme excellence on stage.”
It disclosed that the opening night was sold out and had dignitaries that included the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi; the Chief Executive Officer of the South African State Theatre, Sibongiseni Mkhize and the Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, Aubrey Sekhat.
This was the second time that BAP Productions would tour South Africa. In 2022, Saro The Musical also toured select South African theatres.
About a dozen performances of ‘Dear Kaffi’ are slated to thrill the audience, with at least one show being staged per day since March 1. The tour was expected to reach a crescendo from March 6th all through the weekend, with the grand finale slated for tomorrow.
Dear Kaffy – Kike’s Story is a captivating tale of a 35-year-old single woman, Kikelomo Olota, who is navigating life, love, and societal expectations in Lagos.
From her teenage years, Kike’s brilliance in academics had earned her admiration, but her lack of romantic relationships set her apart.
Determined to fit in, she traded her smartness for popularity, only to find herself entangled in a series of tumultuous relationships.
From Femi, a charming but deceitful lover, to Emeka, a seemingly perfect man who turned out to be married, Kike’s journey is filled with heartbreak and lessons that shape her perspective on love and self-worth.
Amid growing pressure from her family, especially her father, Kike is introduced to Debo, a suitor with whom she shares an unexpected connection. However, her past returns in the form of Tamuno, an ex-boyfriend whose presence threatens her budding relationship with Debo.
As Kike struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations, she is forced to confront her insecurities, redefine her values, and decide what truly matters.
With humour, music, and a sharp critique of cultural norms, ‘Dear Kaffy’ is a vibrant exploration of love, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity in the face of overwhelming pressure.
The Nigerian cast of the play in South Africa include Uzo Osimkpa, who plays the lead role of Kike; Yewande Osamein (Tolani), Abiola Lepe (Bidemi), Sharon Onyegbula (Shalewa) and Ralph Okoro (Tamuno).
Others are: Hector Amiwero (Debo), Obiora Maduegbuna (Debo), Floyd Igbo (Femi), Bimbo manuel, who plays the role of Father, and Bukola Ogunnote who plays the role of Mother.
Dear Kaffi had a successful premiere in Nigeria at the maiden edition of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) in November 2024.
The play also returned to the Terra Kulture stage during the yuletide season last year.
With the current South African tour, ‘Dear Kaffi’ has become Bolanle Austen-Peters’ latest play to earn international accolades, following in the footsteps of Saro The Musical, Wakaa The Musical and Fela & The Kalakuta Queens, which have been performed in London, United Kingdom; Cairo, Egypt and Johanesburg, South Africa at different times.
