Alexa Strachan

Alexa Strachan needs no introduction to lovers of Afrikaans cabaret and music theatre. She had become known for her unique style, and proved herself to be one of the most versatile actresses in the business. Her trademark is the honest way in which she deals with the reality of womanhood - a thread that is clearly visible in all her work.

She made her debut towards the end of the nineties with a one-woman cabaret called Om 'n eier te lê - To breed or not to breed. This production was directed by Sandra Prinsloo (who also directed most of her later work) and was received equally well by both the media and the public. It dealt mainly with the challenges of motherhood. Until then, pregnancy and childbirth were never really issues that were dealt with from stage, and this somewhat controversial piece ensured her of a big entrance into the arena of music theatre!

This was soon followed by her second one-woman show, Die Volmaakte man en Ander Mites, and this time she had her mouth full about men... once again she won the trust and respect of woman all over the country. She did upset a few men, but most just laughed and nodded at her wisdom.

Her love for the written word inspired two stage productions based on published novels. The first was a version of Dalene Matthee's acclaimed novel, Susters van Eva, which premiered at the Klein-Karoo National Arts Festival in 2000.

It marked Alexa's first collaboration with other artists. The music was composed by Rocco de Villiers and she was joined on stage by four other actors.

Two years later, this was followed by a stage production of Reinet Nagtegaal's novel, Voorvaders kan vlieg, sê Delores. Here, she chose to play opposite Wikus du Toit