The Fugard Theatre continues its celebration of Athol Fugard’s 80th birthday year in 2012 with this production of The Blue Iris which will preview from Wednesday, 4 July and open on Saturday, 7 July 2012 for a limited season, until 28 July. The play is directed by Janice Honeyman and produced by the founding producer of the Fugard Theatre, Eric Abraham in association with Mannie Manim, and the National Arts Festival.

Set in Athol Fugard’s beloved Karoo, The Blue Iris is a tender story that revolves around the gradual disintegration of a marriage through misunderstanding, neglect and disappointment as told in the reminiscences and regrets of widower farmer, Robert Hannay and the heart-wrenching sadness of his loyal farm worker and wife’s companion, Rieta. The Blue Iris dissects the pain of missed opportunity and emotional disconnection touching us all to the core.

The play features Claire Berlein as Sally, Graham Weir as Robert and Lee-Ann van Rooi as Rieta. Van Rooi makes her Fugard Theatre debut while Weir and Berlein re-join Honeyman at the Fugard. Pusetso Tshibedi is the assistant director, with lighting design by Mannie Manim, set design by Dicky Longhurst and costume design by Birrie le Roux. The soundscapes are by Warrick Sony and Murray Anderson.

The Blue Iris enjoys a limited season at the Fugard Studio Theatre in Cape Town before transferring to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in August. Tickets range from R110 to R140 and can be bought at Computicket or the Fugard Theatre Box Office on 021 461 4554. Registered Friends of the Fugard members, scholars, learners, groups of 10 or more and pensioners qualify for discounts.