Theatre hosts production that confronts GBV issues

Sullied explores the themes of religion, body politics, racism, gender, sexuality, rape culture, and toxic masculinity

Lusanda Zokufa

In Sullied, the seminal work from director Matjamela Motloung and choreographer Kristi-Leigh Gresse, movement and text give voice to what scholar Pumla Dineo Gqola calls South Africa’s Female Fear Factory

While the production comes to the Market Theatre during South Africa’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence; the work engages various paradigms of movement, thought, emotion, and spirituality to confront sexual violence.

Andiswa Gebashe, lands her sign-language performance skill in a first for South African theatre, as no production before this has had a sign language performer being part of the cast. This makes this production accessible to a variety of patrons including the deaf.

Violence to the female body at the hands of varied powerful social institutions forms part of the narrative ethos of Sullied

This is daring work that utilizes dance, silence, spoken word and sign language to tell a story about the structures that inform the daily strife South African women face.

Sullied explores the themes of religion, body politics, racism, gender, sexuality, rape culture, and toxic masculinity in a politically charged country led by powerful male politicians. The purveyors of patriarchy are very present and succinct on some occasions, and omnipresent on others.

Rich in complex themes and how they feed into each other with roots in our daily lives, Sullied examines the psychological effects of patriarchal ideologies and misogyny, how our interactions with one another are a result of these ideologies.

The piece focuses heavily on the concept of cleansing. Rather than washing away tangible dirt, it confronts the idea of washing away the dirt trapped away in our subconscious because of fear, emotional trauma and ingrained social norms around women’s identity.

This production questions the structure of patriarchy and its systems used to justify its control and manipulation of women and their bodies.

“The production interrogates the effects that patriarchal ideologies and misogyny has on the human psyche; specifically the way these ideologies affect how we as human beings interact with one another,” says Motloung.

The show is sign language accessible with the generous support from Pansalb. Age recommendation is 13. For further information contact 062 329 4741 or desmondm@markettheatre.co.za.

The Fringe also offers opportunities for artists across the country and the world to present their work to other artists, local and international producers and audiences.

Shows on the Fringe stand a chance of receiving a Standard Bank Ovation Award, which recognises critically engaging and appealing works to audiences. Many shows that win the awards go on to travel the South African and international theatre and festival circuits. Fringe manager Zikhona Monaheng says artists wishing to sign up for this year’s Fringe should read the National Arts Festival Fringe Guide.

“It contains comprehensive details about participating in the Festival. There is a registration fee of R1 000, required once the application is approved. Applications are approved on the basis of availability and suitability of venues,” she says.

Works ranging from theatre and public art performances to dance, music, film, comedy, illusion, poetry, visual art and more are all accommodated on the Fringe programme.

Fringe children’s theatre is also a drawcard for families visiting the festival. The festival programme is multi-lingual, so works in any language can be submitted.

Despite the National Arts Festival’s return to a live format, online or digital works are also welcome on the Fringe.

The festival is also calling for works for the Curated Programme. These submissions are considered by the Festival’s Artistic Committee, led by NAF’s artistic director, Rucera Seethal, and works to be programmed by the festival are then selected.

Artists may propose a work for the Curated Programme, and can also apply to be on the Fringe festival. Entries will close on 13 January next year.

The 49th National Arts Festival will take place between 22 June and 2 July 2023 in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

For more visit https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/naf2023-fringe