Askies follows a diverse group of quirky adults, who have to learn an indigenous South African language to improve their social status. In the surreal, frequently comic world of the Zulu Night Language-school, they learn to overcome their prejudices and cultural tics... to communicate with each other!
The only thing Frida (Hanli Rolfes) got from her divorce is the best years of her life flushed down the toilet, her heart broken and a pawn shop in the middle of Randburg. But this Afrikaans Primary school teacher from the "platteland" is not going to give up just yet and so she sets out to try to keep her head above water by dodging her landlord and wannabe gangster, Mikey (Dirk Stoltz), who lives upstairs with his grandmother. He wants to turn the pawn shop into a night club. In order to stay afloat, Frida, with the help of Persistence (Tumi Morake) - the world's most streetsmart tea lady - has to use her language skills to teach a motley crew of after-hours students Zulu!
Starring as Frida, Hanli Rolfes is best known for her leading role on Generations (SABC 1), where she was Sarah-Lee from 1996-2002. She has also starred in popular shows such as Justice for All III (SABC 1), Jozi Streets (SABC 1) and Vetkoekpaleis (SABC 2).
Dirk Stoltz has been working in local television, theatre and cinema since the early 1990's, starring in many iconic local productions. He was most recently seen on TV in Song vir Katryn 1 & 2 (SABC 2), Riemvasmaak (SABC 2) and Erfsondes (SABC 2).
Tumi Morake is an up-and-coming young actress, having starred in various film, TV, theatre and stand-up comedy productions. She recently made a few cameo and supporting appearances on TV, including Justice for All (SABC 1), Soul Buddiez (SABC 1) and City Ses'la (SABC 1).
Askies is a concept that was inspired to creators Teboho Pietersen and Yolanda Mogatutsi of Thousand Hugs as a concept brief from SABC 2 in 2007. Luna Film's Bridget Pickering and Neil Brandt were brought on as executive producers.
Head director Andre Odendaal was approached, after he auditioned for one of the characters. He assisted in the final casting and further created an atmosphere that gave the actors a chance to explore the ensemble piece even further, creating realistic though very humorous characters.
The first 13 episodes of Askies will screen on SABC 2 from 16 January 2008. The 2nd series, also consisting of 13 episodes, will be screened later in the year.
Askies features all 11 official languages but mainly Afrikaans, English and Sotho - with English subtitles.
