CHAMP (World Premiere)

Champ marked the breakout production for Greg Karvellas and long-time creative collaborator Louis Viljoen, establishing them as key voices in South African theatre. This darkly comedic, razor-sharp play follows three struggling actors, forced to endure the humiliations of children’s entertainment in a mall, as they navigate one particularly disastrous day. When they encounter a child determined to push them over the edge, they engage in a battle of wits and endurance, setting off a chain of events that won’t change their lives forever—but might just make the day a little more interesting.

Premiering to critical acclaim, Champ won Best New Script at the 2013 Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, with Greg Karvellas earning a nomination for Best New Director. Following its success, the production was invited to the prestigious Assembly at the Edinburgh Festival, where it garnered rave reviews, before transferring to The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town for another acclaimed run.

This career-defining production cemented Karvellas’ reputation for bold, fast-paced storytelling, sharp comedic timing, and an unflinching look at the struggles of contemporary life. With Louis Viljoen’s biting script and Karvellas’ dynamic direction, Champ remains a standout piece of modern South African theatre.