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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

SASOL TRAC laboratory launched at UFS Qwaqwa Campus

2006-05-08

Some of the guests attending the launch of the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus were from the left Prof Peter Mbati (Principal of the Qwaqwa Campus), Mrs Zimbini Zwane ( Communications Manager of Sasol Infrachem), Prof Gerhardt de Klerk (Dean : UFS Faculty of the Humanities), Prof Fred Hugo
Director of TRAC SA) and Prof Jack van der Linde (Director of RIEP at the UFS).

SASOL TRAC laboratory launched at UFS Qwaqwa Campus

The Research Institute for Education Planning (RIEP) of the University of the Free State (UFS) today unveiled the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at its Qwaqwa campus.

The laboratory will be used to help grade 10, 11 and 12 learners and educators from the Qwaqwa region to conduct the experiments from the physical sciences outcome-based curriculum.

“The Sasol TRAC Laboratory introduces learners not only to the latest technology used by engineers and other scientists in practice but also to stimulate the learner’s interest in the field of science in such a way that more of them will enter into science related careers,” says Mr Cobus van Breda, Co-ordinator of the TRAC Free State Regional Centre.

According to Mr van Breda the newly established Sasol TRAC Laboratory will enable RIEP to train learners and their educators in Physical Sciences. The laboratory will consist of six work stations equipped with computers and electronic sensors.

“Learners from the Qwaqwa region will visit the Sasol TRAC Laboratory on regular basis to conduct experiments based on the curriculum. Data will be collected with electronic apparatus and presented as graphs on the computer so that results can be analysed and interpreted,” says Mr van Breda.

“There is a serious shortage of suitable qualified teachers in maths and science in the Qwaqwa region. Many schools in the region are not yet part of the RIEP project and are in dire need of assistance. A large number of these schools are in remote areas not reached regularly by intervention programmes,” says Prof Peter Mbati, Principal of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.

“The establishment of the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at the Qwaqwa Campus provides us the opportunity to engage with our community and assist in the development and training of these vital education subjects. We are pleased that Sasol agreed to fund the project,” says Prof Mbati.

Students from the Qwaqwa Campus will also benefit from the TRAC programme. “Some promising students will also undergo further training and become assistants for the TRAC programme,” says Prof Mbati.

“Nurturing science and mathematical skills is of great importance in growing our national economy. Annually, Sasol invests more than R50 million in supporting mathematical and science education in South Africa. Our primary aim is to increase the number of learners gaining access to tertiary education in the science fields. Therefore, our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) education interventions at secondary school level focus on educator development and direct learner interventions such as the Sasol TRAC Laboratory,” explains Ms Pamilla Mudhray, CSI and SHARP manager at Sasol.

According to Ms Mudhray the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement for physical sciences in the further education and training (FET) phase from 2006, under resourced schools will need greater access to the tools and equipment necessary to teach the syllabus and fulfil the ideals of the curriculum.

TRAC South Africa is a national non-profit programme focused on supporting and expanding science, mathematics and technology education in secondary schools. The programme was first introduced to South Africa in 1994. In 2005, RIEP established the TRAC Free State regional centre on the UFS Main Campus in 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
5 May 2006

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