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South Africa's 'The Office' Goes Pink
24 Nov
Summary
- Afrikaans adaptation 'Die Kantoor' premieres Jan. 20.
- Polony manufacturer replaces paper company setting.
- Showrunner emphasizes local cultural reflection.
The highly anticipated Afrikaans-language adaptation of the global hit "The Office," titled "Die Kantoor," will debut on Showmax on January 20, with a preview on kykNET two days earlier. This marks the 14th international adaptation of the BBC Studios format, uniquely setting the workplace in a polony manufacturing plant instead of the traditional paper company. This change aims to reflect South African culture and humor, moving away from a direct translation of the original.
Bennie Fourie, an award-winning writer and director, is spearheading the adaptation, emphasizing its reimagining for local audiences. He highlighted the significance of the polony factory setting, noting its local resonance and the departure from the format's typical workplace. The ensemble cast includes several acclaimed South African actors, promising a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved mockumentary.
Produced by Rapid Blue, a division of BBC Studios, "Die Kantoor" continues Showmax's history with the mockumentary genre. This adaptation joins a long list of international versions, including those from Australia, Canada, and the U.S., with the latter achieving significant Emmy success. The series is poised to offer a distinctively South African comedic experience.
