A story that moves from pure nostalgia, through extreme heartache, to unbridled joy… The Return of Elvis du Pisanie is at once sad, amusing and gloriously uplifting…!

Eddie du Pisanie, an East Rand salesman in his mid-forties, is retrenched and decides life is no longer worth living. He writes a suicide note to his wife and is about to gas himself in his car in the garage, when he switches on the car radio. The Elvis Presley song he hears does more than take him back 30 years – it recalls an event in his childhood that changed his life forever. Abandoning, for the moment, the idea of suicide, he drives the 200 kilometre journey to the town in which he grew up, to a lamp post opposite the ex-Carlton Bioscope in Witbank, there to retrace his life, to try to find out what went wrong, how it went wrong, and – perhaps most importantly – why it went wrong… Can we change our own destinies…? “Elvis” du Pisanie is about to find out…

Watch the trailer here.

Watch two interviews from the recent Johannesburg run at Pieter Toerien's theatre at Montecasino: 

Watch two interviews from the recent Johannesburg run at Pieter Toerien's theatre at Montecasino: 

With the writer Paul Slabolepszy

With performer Ashley Dowds

Elvis is back! But this is not your typical rhinestone jumpsuit revival! 

This is Eddie du Pisani, a middle-aged ex salesman on the brink, brought to life by the phenomenal Ashley Dowds! 

Written and performed back in 1992, this one-man show is a South African CLASSIC that has lost none of its punch! 

An Elvis tune on the radio sends Dowds on a hilarious and heartbreaking journey through memory lane. He masterfully embodies a parade of characters, keeping you laughing and reaching for the tissues in equal measure! 

If you are looking for a night of raw emotion, side-splitting humour, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, then 'The Return of Elvis du Pisani ' is a MUST SEE! 

Dowds performance is electrifying, and Paul Slabolepszy's script remains as sharp and relevant as ever!  Don't miss this chance to see a South African gem brought to life by a truly amazing actor! 

Highly recommended!”

GEORG KNOKE

Leon Van Nierop and I are always thrilled to experience the exceptional work of Paul Slabolepszy. The return of Elvis Du Pisanie’s play captivated my imagination with the mesmerizing charm of a streetlight. Without a doubt, Ashley Dowds is a world-class renowned talent.  The play was truly remarkable!

WERNER H KLOPPER

There are only a few performances left in Johannesburg, of this exceptional revival of "The Return of Elvis Dupisanie" – so get to see it, before the week’s end!  

It’s decades since I first saw the multi-award winning play, starring its inimitable writer Paul Slabolepszy. Some of the plot twists and excellent writing, forgotten. Now, Paul has directed his own work. And what superb casting in the role of Eddie! Supremely performed by Ashley Dowds, it’s vivid, riveting and relevant theatre, with a punch as powerful now, as it had then. Ashley is completely engaging. He has made the characters his own, as he draws you into their worlds, leaning forward, listening to the raconteur, lighting the touch papers of his history. As the story of that dramatic night unfolds. Compelling, funny, tender and bold. And ultimately, uplifting. 

ANNE WILLIAMS

Some plays are classics and there’s a reason why. Paul Slabolepszy’ s The Return of Elvis du Pisanie makes you laugh hard and cry deep. It is as relevant now as it was then. Exquisitely written, vivid, hilarious and heartbreaking, I never caught the original run some 20 years ago, and what an unforgettable story it is. Performed by Ashley Dowds with a precision that is delicious, crystal clear characters that are magnetic and endearing; robust and simultaneously delicate direction by Paul Slab, catch this as soon as you can.

Sylvaine Strike

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!! VIVA MODDERFONTEIN!!! VIVA WITBANK!!!! VIVA Paul Slabolepszy VIVA Ashley Dowds!!!   I was moved to tears, listening  and watching greatness last night at THE theatre on the Bay.  from the whisper under lamppost until the reunion with the King of Rock and role...I was mesmerized by the greatness of the Word and Performance...."THE RETURN OF ELVIS DU PISANIE"   is THEATRICAL PERFECTION.   ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE CAPE TOWN.   Saw the opening night at The Rosebank Theatre Johannesburg.....yonks ago!!!!   ......filled with gratitude to see it again......two Maestros at work!!! 

BRIAN VAN RHEEDE

About the Artists