On the third floor of his apartment building, Markus Benade sits with a cigarette in his fork and his fork in his hand. He has just come off his anxiety medication and is processing the past three years of his university life with the help of a fire extinguisher. This production explores themes of queer identity, loss, love, and self-love. It exposes the fragments of Markus’ existence, the nobodies he has met along the way, and that which still remains of him.
Production Credits
Vihann van Rooyen - Writer, Actor, Director & Composer
Jurie Boshoff - Stage Manager
Produced by Spark in the Dark
About the Artists
WRITER, PERFORMER, DIRECTOR & COMPOSER - VIHANN VAN ROOYEN
Vihann van Rooyen has recently completed his Master’s degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at Stellenbosch University, focussing on the use of LGBTQ+ slurs and representation in Afrikaans comedy films. He was nominated for a Kanna Award at KKNK 2025 for Best Upcoming Newcomer for writing and performance in [INDISTINCT CHATTER]. His work explores queer representation, identity, and the fragile negotiation between intimacy, performativity, belonging and empathy in contemporary society.
STAGE MANAGER - JURIE BOSHOFF
Jurie Boshoff has recently finished his Honour’s degree in Drama and Theatre Studies, specialising in Cabaret, at Stellenbosch University. His most recent work includes stage managing for Granaatsap at KKNK (2026), Kaapstad Toneelhuis and the Cave theatre in Hermanus. He performed in and stage managed for the physical theatre piece, Yellowtail, at Suidoosterfees 2026 and also stage managed Glimpse (a physical theatre production) at Theatre Arts. Additionally, Boshoff worked in film this year as an art department intern at Kelders van Geheime.
PRODUCER - SPARK IN THE DARK
Spark in the Dark is a Cape Town-based production company dedicated to fostering creative connection. They produce award-winning theatre, host new writing and performance platforms for emerging artists to test fresh material, and facilitate workshops across a wide range of performance disciplines, from writing and directing to clowning and improv.
- Venue: Princess Alice
- Location: Princess Alice Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 120.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
-
Ages:
16+
- Adult Themes
- Sex
- Strong Language
- Language: Afrikaans

