A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR YEARS TO COME
Prince Albert Open Studios Presents – ZAPIRO AND THE SHOWERHEAD
AT THE PRINCE ALBERT SHOWROOM SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025 at 7PM.
Prince Albert Open Studios is proud to present The Showerhead, the gripping real life drama of a brilliant and daring political cartoonist who engaged in a dangerous pen versus sword duel with the most powerful politician in South Africa. The story spans one of the most agonising and crucial periods is South African history, as Jacob Zuma, rapidly rising through ANC ranks to become president, was targeted by Zapiro, one of the ten best cartoonists in the world, in a series of savage cartoons that had newspaper readers gasping for breath, either in anger or delight. Zuma’s response was a series of defamation lawsuits demanding millions of rands that dragged on but never made it to court.
Prince Albert artist and cartoon historian Andy Mason is one of the ten commentators who unpack the dramatic saga alongside Zapiro’s fascinating personal account, and that link enabled the film to be brought to The Showroom Theatre in Church Street on Saturday 14 June. We owe our thanks to VideoVision Entertainment who generously agreed to let the film travel into the Great Karoo, where Prince Albert’s Showroom brings classic movies to local cinephiles twice a week.
Zapiro will be present to introduce the film and the Daily Maverick’s renowned economics editor Tim Cohen, a key figure amongst Prince Albert’s cognoscenti, will host a Q&A after the screening.
Zapiro will also be signing books in the Showroom’s glitzy foyer after the show, the bar will be open and the conversation will no doubt be epic, so make sure you’re there for a night to remember for years to come.
Program and Map – June 2025
Di Johnson Ackerman
Karin TerBlanche
Anna Stone
Di Van der Riet
Sue Hoppe
Tiaan van Deventer
Di Smith
Paula Beezhold
Turid Bergstedt
During the Prince Albert Open Studios event, local artists in Prince Albert graciously invite the public to take a peek inside their creative sanctuaries. To guide visitors to the right places, distinctive Blue A-frame boards are scattered throughout the town, signalling the locations of the artist’s home studios and exhibitions. From painting and sculpture to mixed media and photography, the eclectic display of artistic works on offer guarantees visitors an exciting and diverse visual experience.
Nestled amidst the scenic Karoo region, the charming town of Prince Albert has earned a reputation as a breeding ground for inspiration and innovative creativity. It’s almost as if there’s something in the air that attracts a disproportionate number of artists, free spirits, and visionaries to this special place. That’s why the Prince Albert Open Studios event, launched in 2017, has quickly become a beloved fixture on the local calendar.
During this unique event, talented local artists throw open their studio doors to the public, providing a platform for their art and creative process. This intimate setting allows them to connect with a wider audience while adding a personal touch to the art-buying experience. Many visitors have commented on how much they appreciate the chance to meet the artists and see their workspace up close. For the artists, it’s a chance to gain valuable feedback from potential buyers and see their creations through fresh eyes.
Prince Albert Open Studios is a rare opportunity for art lovers, investors, and fellow creatives to gain exclusive access to the inner sanctum of artistic talent. Explore the hallowed creative spaces where the magic of materials and inspiration collide and engage in one-on-one conversations with the artists themselves. Discover the stories behind the artwork, the techniques that bring them to life, and the heartfelt passion that drives each and every creation.