Two new plays by Drama for Life Theatre Company explore gender, sexuality and identity
JOHANNESBURG – Both plays in the double bill interrogate the myths and complexities surrounding gender roles in modern South Africa.
Drama for Life Theatre Company presents two new plays that explore two themes in a new double bill at Wits Downstairs Theatre in Johannesburg.
Starting on 10 to 19 October, the plays will focus on issues of gender and sexuality around the world, showing how society is renegotiating its attitudes to identity.
According to the organisers, the plays, Girls and Gals and Lefa, are seen as a fresh answer for youth audiences. “Both plays in the double bill interrogate the myths and complexities surrounding gender roles in modern South Africa, drawing theatregoers into the intimate spaces where identity, gender and sexuality are at the forefront of conversation.”
Directed by Thapelo Mohapi, Lefa tells a story of four boys entering puberty. The play explores their struggles to become men – some without the advice and guidance of a father, and others struggling to face and identify with their masculinity and to carve a space in which to express their true selves.
The play uses physical theatre and narration to draw parallels between audience and character, said the organisers claiming that these elements are designed to spark moments of reflection. It is performed by Mohapi, Lehlohonolo Dube, Sithembiso Khalishwayo, Luthando Jamda and Moeketsi Kgotle.
The second play, Girls and Gals,brings the audience into a deep, meaningful conversation among four friends.
Using physical theatre and storytelling, the play, directed by Cherae Halley, looks into the development of female identity from the perspective of its eponymous ‘girls and gals’ and is performed by Stella Dlangalala, Diana Penman, Francesca Matthys and Pertunia Msani. “The audience is taken on a trip exploring puberty through several social lenses, including memories and stories, in a complex interweaving of myth, folklore and modern social mores.”
These two plays form part of the Drama for Life Theatre Company’s Knowledge Unzipped Project that aims to provide ‘best practice’ interventions on sexual and gender health education for youth.
The project is supported by the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
Tickets are available at Webtickets and at the door from 7pm.
Details: nfo@buz.co.za
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