By Anga-Anganda Bushwana
Who would think that a musical could be used to spread awareness about the many facets of gender-based violence in South Africa? In STOP! #ArtistsAgainstGBV, contemporary choral music, rhythmic choreography, and an electrifying energy are used to shed light on one of the country’s greatest social ills.
The storytelling and the incorporation of a variety of South African languages, ranging from Sesotho, Venda, Afrikaans, Setswana, English, and Sepedi, into different themes was nothing short of amazing.
The hour-long production at City Hall provides narratives on the multitude of reasons behind the pandemic of femicide and its pervasive hold on our country. The piece explores toxic masculinity and emphasises the term “Indoda ayikhali” – meaning men should not cry, even if they report violence, for fear of ridicule.
The production casts a lens on the power dynamics at play in both hetero and homosexual abusive relationships and why partners often feel hopeless in toxic environments. It also functions as a tribute to the many South African women and children who have died at the hands of a man and encourages everyone to do better. We remember Uyinene Mrwetyana, Tshegafatso Pule, and Jesse Hess, all of whom have fallen victim to gender-based violence.
The artists will surely blow you away with their unique way of telling the various different stories, relatable which are a reality of many South Africans.
Productions such as STOP! are never easy to watch. Prefaced with a trigger warning, however, the show makes for informative and necessary viewing.
