A play that addresses social issues
I had to put myself in the shoes of the gangster and the victims.
Fifty Thousand Words Confession is a one-man show that addresses social issues.
The story is written by Joburg east’s Bonginkosi Mashilo, who said the issues the play addresses are of everyday life, but society is not addressing them.
“This monologue is aimed at getting society talking. The story is a sad but true story of most notorious gangsters in South Africa who committed suicide and left a note with a confession of his deeds and how he fell in love with his victims before killing them.
“It touches on social issues like gang rape, boys’ sexual harassment, women and children abuse,” explained Mashilo.
He said the story is inspired by true events.
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“I chose a gangster because most of the time their stories are not important to listen to, but they live in our communities.
“If you are convicted of a crime it’s hard for the world to listen to your story. They get rejected and lonely and channel their frustrations into wrongdoings, while behind every wrongdoing of a child or an adult there’s a need,” said Mashilo.
The 27-year-old said writing this play was not easy and being a monologue made it even more challenging.
“For me, this play was a journey of self-discovery. I had to put myself in the shoes of the gangster and the victims,” said Mashilo.
He had to do a lot of research.
“My research was emotional and traumatic.
“I spoke to victims and offenders who are in pain inside and outside, crying for help. That experience allowed me to tap into my feeling and be able to share this story,” said Mashilo.
The EXPRESS asked Mashilo why a monologue.
“I wanted to connect with the audience on a deeper level and I felt a monologue would be the right way to achieve that. I believe it will be easy for the audience to connect to the story,” said Mashilo.
He said this play is going to be a conversation with the audience because he wants them to leave with something to think about.
“The message this show carries is too heavy because woman and children are abused and killed every day by the very same monster we could have changed if we only listened. I want to encourage the audience to be willing to listen to children when they say they are being abused at home, at school or life in general.
“We need honesty and humanity, but most importantly love, peace and forgiveness,” said Mashilo.
The Mpumalanga-born writer has written 25 plays.
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He was a writer and director for three years at the Tshwane University of Technology.
His love for the arts started at an early age with a community theatre group called Siyabvutha and he has never looked back.
Fifty Thousand Words Confession will be hosted at Maboneng Pop Art on February 19 at 8pm.
