Christelle Futshane Presents TAG!, Game Show Theatre
Venue: Oldies, New Street
Next performance: Friday 4 July 17:00
Review
Aphiwe Ngowapi
Sounds of laughter and shouting drift out from Oldies, a bar and restaurant in New street
Inside, an audience has gathered for what appears to be a game show, the host combining elements of charades and 30 seconds. Participants act out or explain words, guided by the animated, Christelle Futshane.
This is TAG!, an interactive performance piece born from Futshane’s sense of a deep urgency to respond to, reflect on and protest GBV. In a country where gender-based violence claims lives and futures daily, “What does it mean to play in the face of horror? What does it mean to participate – willingly or not?,” said Futshane, a Rhodes University Masters candidate.
Throughout the show, the voluntary ‘contestants’ enthusiastically engage in topics related to GBV, given space to interpret and react to their choices in the performance. This format is an effective tool for direct involvement, opening opportunity for contemplation of serious topics with a playfulness that feels liberating “Set as a game show, TAG! draws the audience into a participatory experience where they are not passive spectators – they are contestants, collaborators and witnesses.” said Futshane.
Asithandile Mayongo playing truth or dare. Photo: Dideka Njemla
The word ‘tag’ has multiple meanings – a children’s chasing game, a morgue identifier, and a label for categorising. In this context tagging, is a metaphor for labelling, objectification, and the passing on of responsibility. The games enacted symbolize power dynamics and manipulation.
In a section of the game called ‘truth or dare’ phrases like, “She was acting like a man,” “she asked for it,” “I said no,” and “they shouldn’t have flashed their lifestyle” are some of the statements read aloud.
A kaleidoscope of thought-provoking ideas were put forward in the scenes and those drawn together in participation were noticeably moved by the emotions and resonance that transpired.
