Echoes of Silence, Theatre
Review
By Langelihle Elsie Skade
The Johannesburg Actor Spaces Club delivered a phenomenal experience with Echoes of Silence, a theatrical production that digs deep into the hidden fractures of family, faith, identity and silence. Set against the backdrop of a township home, the production brought a rich cast of characters. Each one of them wrestled with personal battles that reflect our fractured social fabric. From the beginning of the show, the cast drew me into an emotional journey that oscillates between heartbreak and moments of warmth and humour.
The production is a linguistic tapestry, with dialogue flowing between English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sepedi, reflecting South Africa’s multicultural soul. This diversity doesn’t feel forced; instead, it adds authenticity and rhythm to the script, allowing each character to speak their truth in their own tongue.
Malume Sechaba brought a grounding presence to the stage. At the same time, Messiah, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, delivered a standout performance which navigated the discrimination of homophobia, especially from his father, Piet. Kholeka, the prayer warrior mother, provided a spiritual contrast to Bab’ Piet, a traditionalist who refuses to accept either prayer or change, thus leading to intense confrontations. Just like any other married couple, they have their joyous moments and disagreements.
The role of Neliswa, a struggling varsity student and first-born daughter, is moving. A part that triggered me was the transition from being the life of the family, which holds them together and gives them hope, to being consumed by her thoughts of darkness. Her tragic suicide hit like a thunderclap, shifting the energy of the entire play. The plot twist is powerful and unexpected, forcing the audience to confront the harsh realities young graduates face. Bhutana, her disabled brother and former athlete, mysteriously disappears shortly after her death, adding another layer of suspense and emotional weight.
Maggie, the flamboyant shebeen Queen, and Malume Sechaba are a joy to watch, injecting humour into a heavy narrative. Their costumes, full of vibrancy, reflected their personalities.
The technical aspects of the production elevated the storytelling. The lighting shifted effectively with mood, harsh and incompatible during arguments, and soft and mournful during introspective scenes. The costume choices were thoughtful and purposeful, especially for key characters like Messiah, the varsity student, the uncle, and Maggie. The musical choice, Ndinovalo by Yallunder, during the scene where Neliswa committed suicide, enhanced the emotional texture without ever overpowering the performance.
Echoes of Silence is a rollercoaster of emotions. There is a melancholy that lingers, laughter that bursts through the cracks, and chills that run down your spine in the most unexpected moments. It is a bold and honest exploration of identity, trauma, and the things we leave unsaid.
