Actor Craig Palmer pulls out of Blood Knot, but play’s producers say the show goes on
By Edward Tsumele
One of the actors in Athol Fugard’s iconic play, Blood Knot, which is making a return at the Market Theatre next week October 15, 2021, Craig Palmer, has pulled out of the show. But the producers of the play say there is no stress as they have found a replacement actor and therefore the show goes on.
“Craig Palm regrettably pulls out of the Market Theatre production of Blood Knot due to personal reasons. After weeks of rehearsing with Craig Palm and Mncedisi Shabangu, award-winning director James Ngcobo says “It is unfortunate that Craig will no longer perform in Blood Knot, but we support his decision and wish him well.”
His role will be taken over by rising star Francois Jacobs, who is no stranger to Market Theatre stages. Francois starred in Athol Fugard’s People Are Living There 2015 and made his directorial debut in 2020 with Victor Gordon’s Brothers which premiered to full houses at the Market,” the Market Theatre said in a statement following Palmer’s surprise pull out “due to personal reasons.”
The producers however did not reveal what those personal reasons are that have forced the actor to pull out of the show, a week before it goes on stage.
The theatre however seems to be pinning its hope on Palmer’s replacement to pull it off even though there is only a week left before the show opens.
“Francois and Mncedisi have worked together in Brothers. Mncedisi mentored Francois as he took the reins of director for the first time. They will now form a different partnership and call on the their creative gods to seal this magic and produce yet another masterpiece.
Theatre enthusiasts will see Francois Jacobs perform alongside Mncedisi Shabangu in this unmissable reimaged classic Blood Knot from the 15 October – 14 November 2021 buy your tickets now,” the Market Theatre added.