Sullied tackles sexual violence through dance
Show explores themes like religion, body politics and toxic masculinity
There was no dimming of lights to gently lead the attendees into the hall when the dance show Sullied began on Friday night.
Instead, a Joyous Celebration song blasted through the speakers as the audience waiting in the foyer in front of Mannie Manim at Market Theatre in Newtown.
With everyone still amazed by how the proceedings were unfolding, a string of bras and women’s underwear with a reddish substance that looks like blood drips on top of the audience’s heads.
A woman in a black outfit emerges from nowhere and starts interacting with the audience. She almost looks disturbed as she whisperers, “these men watch us dress, these men”.
The woman is followed by another one using sign language who attempts to communicate with the audience but everyone is confused. A man wearing a white skirt and black shirt emerges shouting angenzanga lutho mina (I have done nothing wrong), ngicela ningithembe ( believe me).
Carrying shiny tins made of corrugated iron sheets, the three lead the audience inside the theatre. In case you’re still not getting it, this is how Sullied, a dance show, started.
The show, staged as part of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, opened last Friday. It is directed by Matjamela Motloung and choreographed by Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year in 2020, Kristi-Leigh Gresse.
The dance piece also features Sandile Mkhize, Fezeka Shandu and Andiswa Gebase.
The work engages various models of movement and emotion to confront sexual violence. Credit should go to the creator of the show for being able to tackle a very complex issue of violence in society through dance and poetry.
There’s no dull moment during the performance because of the poetry and dance moves that keep one entertained.
The dance piece explores the themes of religion, body politics, racism, gender, sexuality, rape and toxic masculinity. Sullied examines the psychological effects of patriarchal ideologies and misogyny.
The story paints a gloomy picture against attempts to fight GBV. It shows that issues of patriarchy, religion and woman-on-woman hate are some of the stumbling blocks. The creator of the show uses a Bible to demonstrate how religion tends to oppress women.
The story is weaved around kanga, a colourful fabric worn by mostly African women. It can be used to carry babies or as a headscarf. But in the story, kanga is used as a metaphor for sexualising women.
Part of the story is an open letter to the kanga, which voices frustration of victims of GBV. The writer directs all anger of how men who violate women move on without being prosecuted. Watch Sullied until December 10.