Beloved arts doyenne turns 80 years old

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Joan Carstens, Mossel Bay's doyenne of film, performing arts and vintage and costume apparel, turned 80 last week.

At her age she still works fulltime.

With her husband, De Waal, she owns the Monroe Theatre movie, performance and events venue and the Deja Vu Vintage House clothing store.

Unique

The unique theatre and clothing store are landmarks in Marsh Street and have served the community and fulfilled a need in Mossel Bay over many years.

The Monroe, a registered theatre, is the only movie venue in Mossel Bay. To top that, it screens legendary vintage/classic/historic movies.

As part of their generous service to the greater Mossel Bay community, the Carstens have hosted Open Mic sessions at the theatre and many different events - book launches, plays, dance performances, prize givings and more - usually for minimum hire or for free.

Mentored

Joan has mentored many people and is well-known for her inclusivity and warm, welcoming personality.

She remarks: "The Monroe Theatre has a colourful and exciting history.

"There are so many beautiful stories hidden between the black and maroon curtains and memories of budding artists as well as well-known celebrities for whom we created the opportunity to go on stage or to develop their skills.

"Just to name a few: Hakkiesdraad Hartman, today a sought-after hip hop artist. He had his first performance on our stage. We hosted several book launches, such as for Hannes Visser and Annelie Botes, and workshops on literature, such as for Rene Bohnen and Stef Kruger."

During Covid the Monroe hosted several graduation ceremonies, even with a red carpet and the Gaudeamus Igitur tune playing.

'Passionate about the arts'

Joan exclaims: "I am passionate about the arts: literature, poetry, theatre, opera, song and music and have brought many artists to Mossel Bay: Zanne Stapelberg, Neil Rademan, Emile Minnie, local artists Danielle Pascal, Luna Page, Francois (Ha! man), Gert Vlok-Nel and 7de Laan actors Denver Vragom and Ingrid Paulsen."

The theatre screens films twice a day from Monday to Friday, at 14:30 and 18:00.

During winter, the fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere.

The store sells vintage clothing, but also hires out costumes, which supplies a need for functions and large-scale events.

Children's costumes

Joan says: "We have about 400 children's costumes as well as a spectacular collection of original vintage clothes from many eras.

"Recently we supplied costumes for the Park Primary School Revue - its drama production - as well as for the 120th birthday celebration of Hartenbos Primary.

"Less than a year ago film crews from New York and Italy visited us to photograph some of our clothes.

Rentals

"Our rentals go all over the world for dress-ups for high teas in castles in the United Kingdom, parties in the DRC or boat trips to Mauritius and Madagascar.

"With our popular high teas, which we established on 31 Dec 2007, we include a dress-up and photoshoot. These high teas are still a regular event at the Monroe Tearoom"

The Carstens opened the clothing shop on 15 May 2007. It is 17 years old.

Joan notes: "At first we occupied one small room. Three years later, in 2010, we got the whole building. On 21 August 2010, my 66th birthday, the grand opening of the Monroe Theatre took place.

'Visitors from all over'

"Since 15 May 2007 we have had visitors from all over the globe - Iceland, Russia, Canada, Australia New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, India and China - all expressing their sincere appreciation for this extraordinary little jewel."

At 80, Joan still works at the shop every day, except Sundays.

"I love every minute of being at Deja Vu and do not intend to retire soon. I come from a very active family. Productivity runs in our blood. My husband, De Waal, also 80, is not only my partner in business, but also my best friend and we make an excellent team.

"I do most of the planning and he is responsible for the practical side. He has always supported me and never held me back when I wanted to try something new."

Children

Having been a librarian in charge of three libraries and a high school teacher for about 25 years, children have always been my VIPs. I communicate very easily with them.

During the past 17 years, I've supplied costumes to many children and seen them develop into models, teachers, actors and even international celebrities. I'm proud of playing a role in their development. They often come to say "hello" when visiting Mossel Bay. There is only one difference: I'm now "Joan", instead of "Auntie Joan".

Complimented

When Joan is complimented on being sweet, gracious, friendly and a real lady, she says: "Thank you, this is a lovely compliment."

She notes: "I am and have always been passionate about people. I really care for people, no matter who or what they are.

"I was brought up that way. I have great patience with people. I forgive easily. To treat a person decently and with respect, is for me to acknowledge him or her as another human being.

'Reward'

"A wonderful reward to me is when people feel at home in Deja Vu or when being there reminds them of being in 'grandma's house'.

On being complimented on her stylishness, she says: "I love clothes and to dress well. My mom set the example to me and my four sisters.

"I love bright colours. Yellow and orange are my favourite colours. Oh, and hats! There is just something about hats that fascinates me.

"I love coats and furs and I have adored Marlene Dietrich since I was a little girl, for the way she dressed.

'Hard to resist'

"Being the owner of a vintage clothing store, it is hard to resist dressing extraordinarily and according to our motto: Why be ordinary if there's the extraordinary?"

Joan says being creative brings her joy, from putting an outfit together to setting a table for tea.

She thrives on music, from Beethoven to Eartha Kitt and Eva Cassidy, poetry from Breyten Breytenbach to Goethe and Roland Holst, vintage cars and "all things bright and beautiful".

Important

Family is extremely important to her.

She notes: "Connecting with your family is connecting with your roots. I grew up in Albertinia, where my family comes from.

"I studied at the University of Stellenbosch, where there are many footsteps of my ancestors.

Family business

"Deja Vu is a family business. My husband, De Waal, is my right hand. Cornelle, my daughter, is my advisor and often performs in the theatre.

"My grandson Ethan-John literally grew up in the theatre, selling tickets and Coca-Cola and assisting with children's theatre.

"Even Arielle, my 12-year-old granddaughter in Switzerland, is so passionate about the shop, she wants to join me in business."

After retiring from teaching Joan studied pastoral counselling at the Apostolic Faith Mission theological campus in Auckland Park.

Counselling

Joan says: "When we moved to Mossel Bay, I did counselling for about eight years. I have a natural aptitude for counselling and although I don't practise anymore, people still come to my shop for some support and guidance."

She says she has learnt one can never be too old to undertake something new. "The sky really is the limit. I never say no to a new challenge."

The secret of how she gathered all the unique treasures in her clothing store?

'Wonderful'

"I'm often asked where I get the wonderful vintage clothing. The answer: people know about my passion and bring me their most precious stuff, because Deja Vu Vintage House is not only a shop, but a place where we keep, cherish and preserve things of the past.

"Thank you, all the wonderful people of Mossel Bay, for your much-appreciated support during the past 17 years."

Joan's qualifications are a BA degree from the University of Stellenbosch with German and Dutch as her major subjects, a senior teaching diploma and a diploma in pastoral counselling.

De Waal and Joan Carstens are a dashing couple.