South African Period Drama Donkerland Debuts Tonight

After much anticipation, kykNET’s latest drama series Donkerland starring screen and stage star Fezile Mpela debuts tonight on DStv channel 144. The series is based on the celebrated theatre production of the same name written by Hertzog prize winner Deon Opperman.



The story of Donkerland unfolds over 158 years from 1838 to 1996. With the changing socio-political landscape of the country as background, Donkerland follows the lives, loves and tribulations of six generations of a settler family and a black working family on the farm in the Donkerland Weenen district in KwaZulu-Natal.

The series focuses on the complicated relations between the different generations and the relationship that exists between the family and the farm workers.

According to the creators, “Donkerland leaves no stone unturned in its candid portrayal of Afrikaner history.”

While the story is primarily about Afrikaaner history in South Africa, the show does prominently feature black characters.

Some of the other black actors in featured roles are; Jacqui Carpede, Mothusi Chelebetsani, Doctor Khabo-Nkato, Busiswa Mambi, Patrick Shabangu, Thabo Tshabalala.

Donkerland was directed by Jozua Malherbe (Getroud Met Rugby, Wolwedans in die Skemer) with Soné Combrink and Deon Opperman as executive producers and Lucia Meyer-Marais as line producer.

Adam Joshua Bentel was the director of photography with Flo Ballack in charge of art direction.

Donkerland was edited by Johan Oelsen of Presto Post in Johannesburg and Janine Neethling composed the original music for the series.

Having seen the promo and stills of the show, it looks amazing especially the costumes and set. That is not something we see a lot of in terms of local productions.

Catch Donkerland at 20h00 on KykNet (DSTV cahnnel 144) from 13 August 2013