‘Catch 22’ highlights the impact of domestic abuse
GENDER-BASED violence has been referred to as a global pandemic. GBV does not discriminate. It knows no colour, race, class, income bracket or religion.
With every passing minute, every hour and every day, GBV keeps growing at an alarming rate as women and children continue to live in fear of their lives.
As the world observes the “16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign”, the Joburg Theatre is shining the spotlight on GBV and its impact on society.
The Joburg Theatre will showcase a series of plays that will “indulge in the wounds of the victims and the mind of the abuser and pose questions about what the future of South Africa looks like if nothing changes”.
Speaking to IOL Entertainment, co-writer and director of the new play Catch 22, Nqobile Hlekwayo-xulu, said it was through behavioural changes and having honest conversations that we can tackle these burning societal issues such as abuse of women and children.
Catch 22 follows the story of Zwelihle Ziqubu, a black woman from Freedom Park, south of Joburg, who tries to trace when she first experienced gender-based violence in her four-year relationship.
After her near-death experience at the hands of her partner, Zakhele, Zwelihle decides to go home.
Her sister Zinhle decides to “speak some sense” into her to “not leave a good man”. Aware of her financial challenges and uneducated background, she tries to find reasons to
stay in the relationship.
Zwelihle is in a catch 22 situation: Should she leave and make a life on her own at home where she is not welcome, or should she go back to her abuser?
“The play focuses on GBV and femicide that women experience,” shared Hlekwayo-xulu.
“The play follows a black woman in her mid-twenties, Zwelihle, who has been in a vat en sit relationship with Zakhele, who goes back home after a near-death beating.
“Her traumatic experience is a trigger to many, but what impact does the psychologically inequitable gender
norms women are raised under have on Zwelihle’s decisions?”
Elaborating on the inspiration behind the play, Hlekwayo-xulu said: “As a woman born and raised in South Africa, I have had to learn from an early age, tactics to keep myself safe.
“And so, when we started the writing process, we made a reference to each character as someone we met.
“Everything in the show is realistic. I have heard of people questioning victims of abuse more than perpetrators, and this continues to pain my soul.
“Taking on this production was to bring light to the kind of dialogues both men and women should be holding about GBV.”
Hlekwayo-xulu added that the creative space, such as the arts and theatre, continued to play a crucial role in addressing important issues at the forefront of the public mind, reaching out to the communities and effecting change.
“GBV impacts the lives of one in three women worldwide, domestic violence being the most common type of GBV, impacting one in four women. How do we bring this to an end? Until this is brought home, we will never see the need to actively fight to stop it.”
The play also explores issues of mental health.
“When we speak about GBV we often focus on what the world can see. Abuse is not only physical, but this is also something we need to consider in our fight to end GBV.
“Then there are inequitable gender norms. How a man is raised as a young boy has an impact on who he becomes. Mothers should learn the importance of giving that young boy a broom to teach him how to do it for himself.
“What was deemed as funny and okay when they were younger is what makes them the men they are today.
“It was important for us to tackle these topics, because until we break down how we got to this GBV pandemic, we might never find a cure.
“Many of the victims of GBV stay in these abusive relationships because the perpetrators know how to play their roles well, they were raised to be entitled and so no one questions their upbringing.”
Hlekwayo-xulu explained that although Catch 22 tackles serious topics, it is also entertaining and very engaging.
“This was important because the audience needs to be able to relate to what they are seeing, so they too can talk about GBV and femicide after the play.”
Catch 22 will be at the Joburg Theatre from tomorrow to December 10.
Tickets are available at Webtickets from R80.
JOBURG Sullied
Where: The Market Theatre When: Current until December 11. 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.
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.
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 in our subconscious because of fear, emotional trauma and ingrained social norms around women’s identity.
CAPE TOWN He Had It Coming
Where: The Baxter
When: Current until December 10 He Had It Coming picks up on themes in contemporary South African discourse – particularly around issues related to patriarchy – and seeks to provide commentary mostly in a satirical form, inviting laughter as much as critical reflection.
“This show should be seen by all South Africans”, was a regular line in the written feedback from audiences after it premiered in 2019 with its national tour cut short by the Covid19 pandemic lockdowns.
Now, with a fresh talent directed by someone who has “been there, done that”, He Had It Coming is set to provoke, entertain and inspire yet again.
DURBAN
Mbongeni Ngema Concert Where: The Playhouse Company When: December 10
South Africa’s cultural icon is sure to pull the crowds in this celebration of mbaqanga music, featuring the best of Ngema’s numbers, from the legendary Sarafina! sound-track, as well as many of the maestro’s mega hits from his prolific back catalogue.
This live extravaganza comprises a powerhouse line-up of musicians, singers and dancers with Ngema as the lead artist.