Former drama teacher Sue Diepeveen brings the complex realities of modern educators to the stage in her new solo comedy, Ms B-Haved, opening at Sandton’s Theatre on the Square.

Directed by Natasha Sutherland, the production follows veteran Grade 3 teacher Sally Burkett, whose life is turned upside down when she is suspended from the school where she has spent 30 years teaching.

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For Diepeveen, the idea for the production grew from her own experiences as a teacher and from watching educators adapt to a rapidly changing education environment. She recalled how older teachers were often expected to adapt to new computer systems, with younger colleagues helping them navigate unfamiliar technology.

The idea developed further after she was invited to speak at a teachers’ conference. Instead of delivering a conventional presentation, Diepeveen created a short comedic skit about the everyday demands placed on teachers, including dealing with parents and situations that went far beyond their traditional responsibilities.

Diepeveen later began speaking to former colleagues, as well as her niece, who is a teacher, about the challenges educators face.

The experiences of teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic also became an important part of her thinking. Then came artificial intelligence, adding another layer to the changing classroom. Diepeveen said the arrival of AI raised questions about how teachers can educate children when technology can provide answers almost instantly.

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Beyond technology, the play examines the changing relationships between teachers, parents and learners, including the expectations placed on parents in modern schooling.

The character of Sally is deliberately warm and relatable, deeply committed to her school, participating in sports and cultural activities while treasuring the memories she has built with generations of learners. That devotion makes her suspension particularly devastating.

Diepeveen said one of the biggest challenges in performing Sally was ensuring that the production did not become judgemental or preachy. She explained that the character is also trying to understand and adapt to the language and expectations of the modern world.

At the heart of Ms B-Haved is a message about looking beyond assumptions, particularly when allegations are made against teachers. Diepeveen hopes audiences will leave thinking about the importance of understanding all sides of a situation.

Ms B-Haved runs at Theatre on the Square in Sandton from September 15 to 19, following its debut at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

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