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A Note from Daphne Kuhn
It is always a special moment for me when we are able to bring a truly South African story back onto our stage, and The Return of Elvis du Pisanie is exactly that — a classic that continues to resonate, move and uplift audiences time and time again.
I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Paul Slabolepszy and Ashley Dowds, both of whom share a long and meaningful history with Theatre on the Square. Their commitment to honest, powerful storytelling has helped shape the identity of this theatre over many years, and it is always a privilege to welcome them back.
At Theatre on the Square, we have always believed in the importance of telling our own stories — stories that reflect who we are, where we come from, and the complexities of the South African experience. Paul’s writing captures this with such authenticity, blending humour, heartbreak and hope in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally understood.
This production is a reminder of the power of theatre to transport us, to make us feel, and ultimately, to bring us back to ourselves. I am so proud that we are able to continue sharing work of this calibre with our audiences.
Please take a moment to ensure your phones are on silent.
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About the Playwright – Paul Slabolepszy
Paul Slabolepszy is one of South Africa’s most respected playwrights, actors and directors, with a career spanning more than four decades. Known for his sharp, authentic dialogue and deeply human storytelling, his work has played a significant role in shaping contemporary South African theatre.
Over the past two decades, Paul has enjoyed a long-standing and meaningful relationship with Theatre on the Square. His plays have become a regular and much-loved part of the theatre’s programme, resonating strongly with audiences through their humour, honesty and unmistakably local voice.
His writing often explores themes of identity, masculinity, memory and belonging, brought to life through richly drawn characters and stories that reflect the complexities of South African life. Whether intimate or expansive in scope, his work continues to connect with audiences across generations.
Paul’s ongoing collaboration with Daphne Kuhn has helped cement a legacy of accessible, thought-provoking theatre in Sandton. His contribution remains an integral part of both the theatre’s story and the broader South African stage.
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ASHLEY DOWDS is a Cape Town based actor, who began his career at The Playhouse in the 1990s. He is known for various TV roles on shows such as Scandal! Isidingo and Binnelanders. His international work includes ‘Warrior’ for HBO, and ‘Deep State’ for UK-based Endor productions and as Mickey Purvis, Scottish husband of the endearing Tannie in the series ‘Recipes For Love And Murder’ for Mnet (SA) and Acorn TV (Scotland). He played the Milli Vanilli talent manager ‘Girl You Know It’sTrue’ released in SA cinemas June 2024.
Recent theatre work includes: ‘Circle Song’, his own solo show performed at the NAF 2025 (Which was awarded a Silver Ovation); Paul Slabolepszy’s ‘The Return of Elvis Du Pisanie’ (produced by Pieter Toerien Productions and toured to the Fringe NAF, 2024), ‘The Curious Incident Of The Boy In The Night’ ‘Constellations’, as Roland- both for Pieter Toerien Productions, ‘Pale Natives’ (as Ashley at The Market Theatre), ‘Soil’ (as Nic – Theatre on the Square), ‘Hard Love’ (as Zvi) and Claudius in The Framework company’s ‘Hamlet’.
He has hosted and co-presented Lifestyle and Travel shows such as ‘Another Side of Africa’ (initially for Amazon Prime) and ‘Going Nowhere Slowly’ (SABC3) and is the author of ‘Red Car Diaries’, published by Struik. He has produced a limited series podcast called ‘Landmark’: Land, Culture, Belonging.
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DAPHNE KUHN is a well-known South African theatre producer, artistic director and owner of the THEATRE ON THE SQUARE in Sandton. She began her career in the arts as an actress, working in both film, TV and theatre. Daphne Kuhn, holds an MA Degree in Drama from Pretoria University and her special skills range from acting to directing, PR to producing.
In 1994, Kuhn founded Theatre on the Square, first in Rosebank, then in Sandton in 1997.
This 200-seater theatre is one of Johannesburg’s most popular venues for both local and international productions. Over the years, the theatre has showcased a diverse range of plays, from classic dramas and musicals to contemporary works, experimental productions, comedies and youth theatre. Kuhn has been instrumental in bringing many important international plays to South African audiences, including the South African premieres of plays like HANSARD, SOME GIRLS, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, ROSE, HARD LOVE, ROMANCE, VINCENT, THE TRAMP, SARAJEVO, NOBODY TOLD ME, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and most recently THE OPERA SINGER. Theatre on the Square has produced and presented more than 3000 South African plays, concerts and corporate events. Daphne has also nurtured the talents of many South African artists, providing a platform for emerging writers, directors, and performers to showcase their work while generating thousands of work opportunities for those in the industry. In addition to her work at Theatre on the Square, Kuhn has also produced several successful productions that have toured to other venues around South Africa. For her contributions to South African theatre, Kuhn has received numerous accolades, including the Naledi Theatre Award for Executive Producer for her contribution to South African theatre. She continues to be a driving force in the South African theatre scene and her work has helped to shape and elevate the country’s cultural landscape.
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Share your experience online and tag us on Instagram at @TheatreOnTheSquare
or on Facebook at Theatre on the Square, Sandton
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For THEATRE ON THE SQUARE
Owner / Producer / Artistic Director: DAPHNE KUHN
Resident Stage Manager: REGINA DUBE
Technical Manager: LOFTUS MOHALE
Online & Design: MIKA STEFANO
Front Of House Manager: MELIDAH THAKADU
Bar and Assistant Technical Manager: REGGIE MATHEBE
Technical Assistant: NHLANHLA ZUNGU
Production Assistant: ZA MVUBELO
Photographs for Theatre on the Square: PHILIP KUHN
Theatre Assistants: MAGDALENE GRACE and PATRICIA RAMOTATHA
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Don’t forget to switch your phone to silent during the show!
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