Erika Breytenbach, nominated for her performances in two productions that premiered at the Drama Factory (The unlikely secret agent and Die goeie pa), will perform the premiere of I can buy myself flowers by multiple award-winning writer, Mike van Graan, at the Drama Factory from 5 to 15 February 2025.
Taking its name from Miley Cyrus’ song that became an anthem for single women the world over, I can buy myself flowers is a one-person comedy drama featuring Natalie Jackson, an estate agent in her fifties, who entertains as she reflects on the ups and downs of relationships, children, professional life and her women friendships.
Old enough to be on their second or third marriages, young enough not to be blamed for apartheid and women enough for menopause, Natalie and her five friends adopt “Six-in-the-City” as the name for their WhatsApp group.
Working in an industry dominated and led by women, inspired by women friends who have achieved professional success and years of therapy have helped Natalie overcome her demons and insecurities rooted in the familiar worlds of patriarchal families and relationships. She is now ready to live on her own terms.
Written by Mike van Graan whose works have earned numerous awards – most recently, the Independent Theatre Award for Best Script for My fellow South Africans – this one-woman comedy-drama will resonate with all those women who pursue their professional paths amidst parenting children, having relationships and caring for ageing parents. Van Graan describes the play as “a human story told with pathos and comedy, which has developed in dialogue with the performer and director and which will grow further as it dialogues with its audience over the next year”.
Toni Morkel – who recently directed Sylvaine Strike and Andrew Buckland in the award-winning Firefly - directs this play bringing her outstanding skills and experience in physical theatre, drama and comedy to bear.
“I look forward to premiering yet another play at the Drama Factory, a generous theatre that has been great for my career thus far,” said Erika Breytenbach.
I can buy myself flowers is a co-production of MVG Productions and Unlikely Productions.
For further information and to book tickets, go to https://www.dramafactory.co.za/whatson#Flowers25