The Young Professionals series provides a platform for graduating students to share their graduating work with the wider public, whilst allowing the work to introduce them to the industry. For many, graduating work is the culmination of years of study and as such should be given the space and time to develop and grow into work that enables young professionals to begin working as artists and earning a living.
The Young Professionals, now in its fourth year, is presented as a series throughout the year creating opportunity for graduating students from different universities to work with each other.
Harte-Bliksems is ’n energieke en skreeusnaakse Afrikaanse romantiese komedie oor liefde in die digitale era. Wanneer Annamart en Andries mekaar op die dating-app Biltong-en-Bokkies ontmoet, ontvou ’n reeks ongemaklike afsprake, vreemde karakters en onverwagse oomblikke. Met net twee akteurs wat verskeie rolle vertolk en ’n eenvoudige, kreatiewe stel van ligblokke, neem die stuk die gehoor op ’n speelse en ontroerende reis deur aanlyn-afsprake, misverstande en die soeke na ware konneksie. Harte-Bliksems is lig, vinnig en herkenbaar – ’n produksie wat laat lag, laat bloos en dalk selfs laat glo dat liefde steeds net ’n klik weg is.
Harte-Bliksems is an energetic and laugh-out-loud Afrikaans romantic comedy exploring love in the digital age. When Annamart and Andries meet on the dating app Biltong-en-Bokkies, a series of awkward dates, eccentric characters and unexpected moments unfolds. Performed by only two actors who portray multiple roles, and supported by a simple yet imaginative set of illuminated blocks, the production takes audiences on a playful and touching journey through online dating, misunderstandings and the search for genuine connection. Harte-Bliksems is fast-paced, relatable and full of heart — a production that invites laughter, sparks recognition, and perhaps even makes you believe that love might still be just one click away.
Harte-Bliksems het in 2025 by die Vrystaat Kunstefees (15–19 Julie) in première gegaan, waar dit besonder goed ontvang is. Alle vertonings was uitverkoop, met sterk gehoor- en kritiese reaksie. Die produksie is benoem vir drie Vryskitter-toekennings:
Beste Produksie
Beste Bemarking
Beste Opkomende Kunstenaar (vir beide Anke Meyer-Auld en Norman Doubell)
Norman Doubell is uiteindelik bekroon met die Vryskitter-toekenning vir Beste Opkomende Kunstenaar. Hierdie erkenning bevestig die produksie se artistieke gehalte en potensiaal vir verdere feeste en toerings.
Anke Meyer-Auld is ’n dramaturg, aktrise en teatermaker met ’n besondere belangstelling in hedendaagse Afrikaanse stories en karaktergedrewe vertelling. Sy is die skrywer en medevertolker van Harte-Bliksems en het ’n sterk akademiese en praktiese agtergrond in drama en teaterkuns. Haar werk ondersoek dikwels temas soos identiteit, verhoudings, vroulike ervaring en die invloed van moderne samelewings op menslike konneksie.
Norman Doubell is ’n opkomende akteur met ’n sterk fisieke en komiese speltyl. In Harte-Bliksems vertolk hy ’n wye reeks karakters met presisie en energie. Sy werk in hierdie produksie is bekroon met die Vryskitter-toekenning vir Beste Opkomende Kunstenaar (2025). Norman se spel kombineer tegniese vaardigheid met instinktiewe komiese timing en emosionele eerlikheid.
DeBeer Cloete is die regisseur van Harte-Bliksems en het ’n gevestigde reputasie vir sy sensitiewe, speler-gesentreerde regiebenadering. Sy werk fokus op veilige skeppingsruimtes, helder storievertelling en die balans tussen speelsheid en struktuur. Onder sy leiding het Harte-Bliksems ontwikkel tot ’n afgeronde, toeganklike en sterk ensemble-produksies.
Harte-Bliksems premiered at the 2025 Free State Arts Festival (15–19 July), where it was exceptionally well received. All performances were sold out, with strong audience and critical response. The production received three Vryskitter Award nominations:
Best Production
Best Marketing
Best Emerging Artist (for both Anke Meyer-Auld and Norman Doubell)
Norman Doubell was ultimately awarded the Vryskitter Award for Best Emerging Artist. This recognition confirms the production’s artistic quality
Anke Meyer-Auld is a playwright, actress and theatre-maker with a strong interest in contemporary Afrikaans storytelling and character-driven work. She is the writer and co-performer of Harte-Bliksems and has a solid academic and practical background in drama and theatre arts. Her work frequently explores themes of identity, relationships, female experience and the impact of modern society on human connection.
Norman Doubell is an emerging actor with a strong physical and comedic performance style. In Harte-Bliksems, he portrays a wide range of characters with precision and energy. His work in this production was recognised with the Vryskitter Award for Best Emerging Artist (2025). Norman’s performance combines technical skill with instinctive comedic timing and emotional honesty.
DeBeer Cloete is the director of Harte-Bliksems and has an established reputation for his sensitive, performer-centred directing approach. His work prioritises safe creative spaces, clear storytelling and a balance between playfulness and structure. Under his direction, Harte-Bliksems developed into a polished, accessible and cohesive ensemble production.