A show all men must see

Tackles the scourge of violence against women and children and toxic masculinity

FOLLOWING the overwhelming success of #JustMen last year – tackling the scourge of violence against women and children and toxic masculinity – the second instalment takes this urgent conversation to the next level, at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio, for a limited season, from July 17. There are three selected school’s matinee performances.

In a post #MeToo movement world, the return of #JustMen, made possible through funding from the City of Cape Town, hopes to further the discussion and bring healing to help turn the tide on this scourge, that continues to hit staggering and unacceptable proportions, as it tears families and communities apart. Directed by Heinrich Reisenhofer

(Joe Barber, Suip!), this latest production sees the return of Loukmaan Adams (Aunty Merle, The Musical, Kat and the Kings) and Thando Doni (Ityala Lamwele, Ubuze Bam). They are joined by

Peter Christians, a reformed convict and rap artist who now works as a facilitator in conflict resolution for the Alternatives to Violence Project and gives talks to youth at risk. Together, the cast and team have devised and revised the play through a rigorous research and workshop process.

#JustMen is an honest and empowering, multi-lingual docudrama, performed by South African men who tell their own stories and confront their own toxic masculinity, as a contributing factor in the violence perpetuated against women and children.

Director Reisenhofer explains, “This was probably one of the most difficult experiences these actors and I have ever gone through – to be willing to stare this legacy in the face and own it. The result was an overwhelmingly stirring and sometimes, shocking, but healing theatre experience. It changed and shifted the lives of so many people who saw the production. Since then, I have had many people come up to me, telling me how hearing our stories – through this experience – brought closure to their own trauma. Inspiring them to take action and get involved in making a difference.”

He continues: “So many men shared with me their struggle of wanting to be better and more caring men, but they find that there is no place to realise this. We still live in a violent and angry society, with little room and few incentives for men to do inner work or have a different way of being.”

#JustMen runs at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio from July 17 to August 3 at 7.30pm, with three school’s matinee performances on Thursday, July 25, at 11am, Tuesday, July 30, at 11am and Thursday, August 1, at 11am.

Ticket prices are R120, R100 for bookings of 10 or more and

R80 for scholars and students. Booking through Webtickets on

086 111 0005, online at www. webtickets.co.za or Pick n Pay stores.

| OSCAR O’RYAN PETER CHRISTIANS, Heinrich Reisenhofer, Thando Doni and Loukmaan Adams in #JustMen.