Reflections In a Broken Mirror (2023)

• documentary
• arthouse

Logline

A look into how theatre has reshaped Afrikaner culture in post-Apartheid South Africa through key productions that challenged dominant Afrikaner identity. This rich and nostalgic film is essential for anyone interested in South African theatre.

Plot Summary

A documentary that explores how theatremakers and playwrights have attempted to reshape Afrikaner culture in alignment with the transition to a new South Africa. The film focuses on key theatre productions that challenged the dominant Afrikaner identity, using provocative imagery to reimagine the role and identity of the Afrikaner in democratic South Africa. The plays explore unexamined areas of Afrikaner culture and reveal that there is no homogenous perspective. The key theatre productions explored are TRITS (Mis, Mirakel, Drif) (1992–1994), Donkerland (1996), Drie Susters, Twee (1997), Boklied (1998), Ek, Anna van Wyk (1999), Aars! (2001), Saad (2007), Ons vir Jou (2008), Sakrament (2009), Die kortsondige raklewe van Anastasia W. (2010) and Balbesit (2013).The documentary features an all-star lineup of acclaimed thespians, playwrights, directors and festival organisers, including Pieter Fourie, Karen Meiring Saartjie and Marthinus Basson, among others.