"The Essence of Nomadism: A Review of 'Without a State' by Bambelela Arts Ensemble"
THEATRE has the unique ability to humanise complex issues through putting faces and stories to statistics. Through characters and narratives, Bambelela's production makes the abstract concept of statelessness tangible, allowing audiences to empathise with the struggles faced by individuals caught in such circumstances.
Live performances evoke strong emotions in audiences, prompting them to confront uncomfortable truths about the world around them.
Without a State is a theatre piece that has elicited feelings of empathy, anger, and sadness as viewers witness the challenges and injustices experienced by stateless individuals while watching it.
It is a play that was written by the legendary playwright Nelson Mapako.
These emotions drive reflection and motivated action towards positive change, particularly on the audience which is captivated by the storyline.
Theatre encourages active engagement with real-world issues by creating spaces for dialogue and reflection.
After experiencing "Without a State," my mind was filled with deep thoughts about statelessness, citizenship rights, and broader issues of social justice.
This engagement is something that extends beyond the theatre walls, sparking conversations in communities and inspiring advocacy efforts.
"Without a State" by Bambelela Arts Ensemble serves as a poignant interrogation of statelessness and the fundamental human right to belong to a state.
Through its narrative, characters, and thematic explorations, the play delves deep into the experiences of individuals stripped of citizenship and grappling with the existential crisis of belonging nowhere.
The play has four actors who depict different characters and these are Leonard Phiri, Bongelani Ncube, Nomvelo Bhehane and Josphat Ndlovu.
The different characters interplay different roles that orient to the interrogation of issues that relate to statelessness.
A point of focus in the play is the role played by Bhehane who puts across the critical issue of the feminisation of migration discourse and the right to belong.
Nomvelo Bhehane depicts the feminization of statelessness and migration in "Without a State" through nuanced characterisations, thematic exploration, and narrative choices.
Bhehane crafted female characters as central figures in the narrative, allowing their experiences to illuminate the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women in situations of statelessness and migration.
By giving voice to these characters, she shed light on the gendered dimensions of displacement, including issues such as gender-based violence, access to healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Bhehane explored the intersectional nature of statelessness and migration, considering how factors such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality intersect with gender to shape women's experiences. By acknowledging the diverse identities and backgrounds of female characters, she provides a more nuanced understanding of the feminisation of statelessness and migration.
Another critical aspect is in how Bhehane sought to challenge stereotypes and tropes surrounding women in narratives of statelessness and migration, offering multifaceted portrayals that reflect the diversity and complexity of women's experiences.
Through the representation of strong, resilient, and empowered female characters, she emphasises women's agency and capacity for change.
"Without a State" serves as a platform for social commentary on issues such as gender inequality, patriarchy, and the marginalisation of women in society.
The cast uses the play to critique systems of power and privilege that perpetuate the feminisation of statelessness and migration, advocating for gender-sensitive policies and interventions to address these issues.
I also like how the play infuses aspects of humour.
In a play that deals with serious themes such as statelessness, humour helps to humanise the characters. It adds depth and complexity to their personalities, allowing the audience to empathise with them on a deeper level.
Humour captures the audience’s attention and keeps them engaged throughout the performance.
It provides moments of relief from the heavy subject matter, preventing the audience from becoming overwhelmed or emotionally fatigued.
At its core, the play sheds light on the harsh realities faced by stateless individuals, exposing the complexities of their predicament and the profound impact it has on their identity, sense of self, and relationships.
Through compelling storytelling and character development, Bambelela Arts Ensemble brings to life the struggles, and resilience of those navigating life without the protection and recognition of a state.
It follows a chronological sequence and referencing to historical allusions that happen in the context of Zimbabwe.
The play explores broader themes of colonialism, exploitation, and resistance, which are relevant to understanding the struggles of workers from Zimbabwe and other African countries in the context of South African mines.
Zimbabwean workers in South African mines face numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, low wages, discrimination, and the constant threat of injury or death.
These challenges were often exacerbated by the historical legacy of colonialism and apartheid, which structured the South African economy to benefit white minority interests at the expense of black workers, including those from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe.
The theatrical medium has allowed for artistic expression and emotional resonance, which engages audiences on a deeper level and prompts them to confront uncomfortable truths about their country's past.
By critiquing the Gukurahundi atrocities, the play contributes to the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation in Zimbabwe, fostering healing and accountability for past injustices.
The play addresses the Operation Murambatsvina house demolitions and issues of statelessness, exploring themes of displacement, marginalisation, and the abuse of state power.
It sheds light on the human stories behind the statistics, portraying the experiences of individuals and families who lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the campaign.
By dramatising these experiences, the play provokes empathy and outrage among audiences, encouraging them to reflect critically on the actions of the state and the impact of its policies on the lives of ordinary citizens.
It also highlights broader issues of social justice and human rights, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of governments to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Moreover, "Without a State" challenges conventional notions of citizenship and belonging, prompting audiences to question the arbitrary nature of borders and the systems that perpetuate exclusion and marginalisation.
By portraying the human cost of statelessness, the play fostered empathy and understanding, compelling viewers to confront the injustices faced by millions of individuals worldwide.
Through its thought-provoking narrative and powerful performances, "Without a State" by Bambelela Arts Ensemble does not only raise awareness about the plight of stateless individuals, but it also advocates for the recognition of their inherent right to belong.
In doing so, the play ignites conversations about social justice, human rights, and the urgent need for inclusive policies that uphold the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their nationality or legal status.
Raymond Millagre Langa is a musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow him on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. millagrepapito@gmail. com or indebotrust@gmail.com