The people are constipated; the people shall kurk
JOBURG - A NEW play, in the tradition of sketch comedy, has captured the tensions and conflicts dealt with by many South Africans on a daily basis.
The People Shall Kurk!, presented by drama group Thenx Ladies, forms part of the Drama for Life SA season programme at the Wits Theatre.
Speaking on behalf of Drama for Life, Christabel Zulu said that the word “kurk” is pronounced “kuurk” and that the tongue should be rolled while doing so.
“[It’s] a Thenxian term that shares the same meaning as the Afrikaans word kak,” she said.
As a verb, the term means “to release” or “to purge”, while as a noun, it means “shit” or, formally, “faeces”.
“[The play] tells the story of a young born free South African whose death has sparked interest and controversy in the media and locally,” said Zulu.
“Despite rumours to the contrary, it is clear that she suffered because of an incompetent service system and a morally-decaying society. This incident has roused the community; the people are gatvol and are desperate to release!”
Zulu said that, in spite of liberation from the discriminatory system of apartheid, the country was still haunted by the legacy of the past.
“Using satire and various other devices, the play captures the tensions and conflicts that people have to deal with on a daily basis, particularly the opportunities, pressures [and] challenges facing young people today,” she said.
The People Shall Kurk!, featuring Momo Matsunyane, Tumy Motsoatsoe, Zethu Dlomo and Kitty Moepang, will run until 2 August at Wits Theatre, University of the Witwatersrand, corner of Jorissen and Station streets, Braamfontein.
Details: www.dramaforlife.co.za
