Untold Police Narratives to Find a Voice in FORGIVE THE DEVIL at Artscape Arena

Vulture Productions presents FORGIVE THE DEVIL, a new play written by and starring Clayton Evertson at the Artscape Arena this November. The play examines the pressures on individual policemen in certain sectors of the South African Police Service, which are embroiled in corruption and crime.

FORGIVE THE DEVIL tells the story of Melvin van Niekerk, a constable dealing with the modern day pressures of being a South African policeman. What was once his dream job is now a constant struggle facing the harsh realities of being in the SAPS. Evertson, who has appeared onstage at Artscape in NANCY, JUDAS and FEBRUARY 14TH, aims to give audiences a bird's-eye view of Melvin's life, a rollercoaster of emotions that creates a thrilling theatre experience.

The play is directed by Abduragman Adams, whose directing credits include SCRAMBLED EGGS, SHIMMERING LOLLIPOPS, A SUCK ON THE SIDE, GERMS, SMOKKEL - THE MUSICAL and STRAIGHT TALK. The 2010 nominee for his Community Theatre Contibution in the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport Community Development Category, he says:

When I was approached to direct, I didn't have to think too hard about it. Post-Marikana, the content and context of the play and the relevance of the script genuinely excited me. I trust the story is strong enough to spark debate and no matter how small - that it may become a tool to assist in the healing of our dysfunctional national police psyche.

FORGIVE THE DEVIL is the seventh production presented by Vulture Productions, an independent platform founded by actor-director Jeremeo Le Cordeur in 2010. It has since made a name for itself for courageously breaking away from the status quo, offering edgy, thought-provoking productions intent on inspiring and cultivating younger audiences. Some of their creations include TANNIE DORA GOES BOS, a quirky high octane murder mystery, and JOHN, a play challenging the controversial world of the sex workers.

FORGIVE THE DEVIL opens on 17 November for a run through 21 November. Bookings are through Computicket, at the Artscape Box Office or Dial-a-Seat, with tickets ranging from R50 - R90.

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