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Theatre play 'The Suit' challenges disruptive societal gender norms

28 July 2023 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Supplied

Tackling issues of gender-based violence through screenplay, the UFS Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, in collaboration with the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, rolled out a theatre production of The Suit – an adaption of a short story by legendary South African writer, Can Themba.

Through the adaptation of the short novel into a theatre piece, the production calls on the UFS community to challenge disruptive societal norms that have been normalised, to challenge traditional gender roles, and to foster open dialogue on issues plaguing society today.

The play kicked off its inaugural performance on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus on 25 July 2023.

Unearthing societal plagues that have maintained prevalence throughout the years

The story is set in Apartheid South Africa and revolves around the story of Philemon and Matilda, a couple deeply in love until betrayal disrupts their relationship. As a black man in Sophiatown, Philemon, a doting husband, faces insurmountable pressure to conform to societal expectations regarding manhood, marriage, and fidelity. At the same time, Matilda crumbles under the resentment of the pressures of being a wife. Philemon’s discovery of Matilda's affair leads to a series of tragic events, as toxic manifestations of jealousy and abuse of power mark Philemon's response to the betrayal. He forces Matilda to wear her lover's suit as a constant reminder of her infidelity, subjecting her to humiliation and emotional torment. The play was followed by a panel discussion aimed at helping the audience to connect the themes addressed with their day-to-day lives.

Prof Colin Chasi, Director of the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, said the play was tied to the unit's Values Programme, which is being rolled out institutionally. “The integrated partnership shows the efficacy of student-led interventions when these are given institutional backing,” he said.

Prof Chasi said that the production challenged today's attitudes, practices, and cultures of gender-based violence. “Stage productions have great power to speak meaningfully to people. In many ways, The Suit is consistent with our decolonial values. It says our stories matter, and we can continue to elevate ourselves by recalling and reclaiming them.”

The Suit shows on the Bloemfontein Campus on 27 July and 1 August in the Albert Wessels Auditorium, and on 31 July in the Madiba Arena on the South Campus.

News Archive

UFS experimental farm to be redesigned as a training facility

2004-10-25

Back fltr:
Dr Léan van der Westhuizen, Manager: UFS Sydenham Experimental Farm; Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS and Councilor Thami Stander, Chairperson: Mangaung Municipal Portfolio for Agriculture and Rural Development

Front fltr:
Mr Hanz Nketu, Chairperson: Free State Legislative Committee on Agriculture and Mr Peter Frewen from the Free State Legislature

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the University of the Free State will soon sign a tri-partite cooperation agreement with the National African Farmers Union (NAFU) and the Mangaung Local Municipality with the aim of providing training and mentorship to small-scale and emerging farmers, including those recently settled under the on-going land redistribution programme.

The agreement is part of the Faculty’s strategic plan to support the on-going reform process in the country, of which Black Economic Empowerment in Agriculture (Agri-BEE) is an important part. The Free State Provincial Department of Agriculture is also actively supporting this initiative.

Under the plan, the Faculty is redesigning its experimental farm, located about 12 kilometers south of Bloemfontein, as a training facility to build up skills in among others broiler and egg production, dairy farming, animal husbandry, piggery, sheep and goat production. The idea is to introduce a comprehensive package that empowers the small and emerging farmers and the local communities adjoining the farms through simultaneous investments in research, extension, and practical agricultural training.

Learnerships are also being drawn up to provide productive skills in order to contribute to addressing the national skills gap and enhancing opportunities for both self and wage employment.

The residents of the adjoining informal settlement known as Mangaung Phase II where unemployment is currently at extremely high levels are primary targets of this component of the project. The Faculty intends for this project to service the farming communities of the Free State Province and gradually spread to other Provinces in the country.

Having recognised this training programme as a potential instrument for achieving “a united and prosperous agricultural sector”, the Free State Legislature has shown considerable interest in the programme.

Following a preparatory visit to the farms by the Agriculture Committee of the Free State Legislature a request was made to the Faculty to host a larger visit by the Legislative Committees of the Free State, North West and Eastern Cape Provincial Legislatures on Monday 25 October 2004 and present details of the training programme.

The President of NAFU in the Free State Province, Mr Nox Nonkonyana, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, the Chair of the Mangaung Municipal Portfolio for Agriculture and Rural Development, Councilor Thami Stander, and the Chairperson of the Free State Legislative Committee on Agriculture, Mr M Nketu, will address the Legislators during the occasion.

Prof Herman van Schalkwyk

Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
25 Oktober 2004

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