KNYSNA NEWS - Johannes C. Wolfaardt's unflinching memoir, Struggling Stains, published in 2024 by NS Skrywershuis, lays bare a childhood destroyed by domestic violence, years of institutional neglect and an adulthood consumed by addiction and despair.
Struggling Stains has already been adapted for the stage, with the theatrical production scheduled to premiere at the Vrystaat Arts Festival in 2026.
The book chronicles how, even before Wolfaardt was born, his mother suffered severe abuse at the hands of his father.
When he was two years old, she fled the home, leaving Wolfaardt and his brother behind with a father who redirected his rage toward the boys.
What followed were years of physical and emotional brutality, followed by further hardship in foster homes and orphanages.
As an adult, Wolfaardt descended into substance abuse, homelessness and multiple suicide attempts.
A near-fatal incident in 2021 proved to be the turning point. With support from people who had previously helped him, he chose to face his trauma head-on and begin the long process of rebuilding his life.
The book has already been adapted for the stage, with a premiere planned for the Vrystaat Arts Festival in 2026.
For more information, Johannes C. Wolfaardt can be reached at info@strugglingstains.org.za
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