BORDERLINE, Starring Pierre van Heerden, Comes to the Montecasino Studio Theatre

It is arguably true that time spent in national service has receded in the memories of many in South Africa. However, BORDERLINE brings it back in vivid colour: the loss of home and loved ones, the indoctrination and deliberate obliteration of individuality during basic training, the fear and horrors experienced in action, and, yes, the intense camaraderie which flourished in such adverse circumstances.

Somewhat tongue in cheek, BORDERLINE takes an entertaining look at one naive young man's journey through this rite of passage and how the infectious and inspirational music of the Beatles kept his heart and soul together as his perceptions of the world changed.

Directed by Vanessa Harris of Followspot Productions, BORDERLINE was inspired by the experiences of her father, Dr Steve Harris, during basic training in the 1970s. These were captured in a segment of his book IMPIMPI, which was published in 2014.

The production stars Pierre van Heerden, who says:

People come to me after the show, guys in their 50s and 60s, and tell me how this was just the way it was. Everything in this show, it happened to them.

BORDERLINE runs from 22 June - 9 July in Pieter Toerien's Studio Theatre at Montecasino. Performances take place on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 20:00, with extra weekend shows on Saturdays at 16:00 and Sunday at 15:00. Bookings are through Computicket or via the theatre's box office on 011 511 1818.

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