The title draws inspiration from the Karatara River on Knysna's Outeniqua plateau, surrounded by farmlands and forests. It has been a significant part of Outeniqua Khoi heritage for centuries. However, tragedy struck on October 29, 2018, when the Knysna fires ravaged the community, leaving a trail of hopelessness. Amidst the media frenzy that followed, some individuals and entities exploited the crisis for personal gain, diverting attention from the community's plight.
Written by Shaun Oelf and Wilken Calitz, Karatara delves into themes of family, home, community and land loss. Described as a personal, interdisciplinary dance-drama, it explores the intricate racial and social dynamics of the Karatara River area while also shedding light on the media's role and its power. The cast, comprising Dean John Smith, Grant Van Ster and Oelf, takes the audience on a poignant journey as a family seeks to make sense of a tragic event amid the opportunism and greed of others.
The production offers a visceral exploration of the devastating inferno that claimed several lives and reduced hundreds of homes to ashes. Six years on, many questions remain unanswered, exposing deep-seated divisions within the community along racial and class lines.
Karatara premiered at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in 2022 and earned the prestigious Best Debut Production award. It continued to receive acclaim at Stellenbosch's Woordfees, University of Cape Town's Baxter Theatre and was recently showcased in Knysna itself. The production received recognition with a Fiësta award for Best Design and, earlier this year, two Fleur Du Cap awards for Best Lighting and Best Sound Design.
The late artistic director of The Market Theatre, Barney Simon, emphasised the importance of honest, truth-based storytelling that does not shy away from the emotional and socio-political weight of a piece. Karatara, as the inaugural show to grace the new Barney Simon venue at the theatre, is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
