Phyllis Klotz, artistic director and co-founder of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, has always been at the forefront of highlighting woman’s issues through performance.
Phyllis Klotz, artistic director and co-founder of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, has always been at the forefront of highlighting woman’s issues through performance.
She enters into a meaningful engagement with the phenomenon of sexual violence against gender-non-conforming women in South Africa: the title, Chapter 2, Section 9, tells the story – it refers to that section of our Constitution guaranteeing the right to gender equality and sexual orientation.
The inclusion of the equality act in the Constitution was globally seen as a victory for the LGBTIQ people, despite these progressive laws they are still unfairly discriminated against, too often manifesting itself in the form of violent crimes including rape and murder.
Chapter 2 Section 9 is based on interviews with more than 40 lesbian women, their families, perpetrators and police officers in order to get their view and understanding of hate crime.
These personal stories, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, interwoven with music and the spoken word, bring a clear message that LGBTIQ people are still vulnerable to violence and discrimination contrary to the values of our Constitution. The characters’ text is taken integrally from the interview transcripts.
The Chapter 2 ,Section 9 cast consists of four young actresses, two of whom trained at Sibikwa, accompanied by Isaac Molelekoa, a young musician who also composed original music for this play. The actors are Ayanda Rose Fali, Khanyisa Nanase, Tsholofelo Ross and Ayanda Sibisi.
It is directed and devised by Phyllis Klotz. Set design is by Sarah Roberts; Light design by Stan Knight; Music composed by Isaac Molelekoa, stage management: Sam Jack Mabona; Research and interviews: Collen Mfazwe and Janneke Strijdonk-Xulu; Translations: Smal Ndaba.
Chapter 2, Section 9 is at the Gymnasium: 6 July at 11.30am, 7 July at 6pm and 8 July at 11.30am. Tickets: R60/concessions R54.
Chapter 2, Section 9 reads:
3) The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
4) No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3). National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.
