Violence, exclusion under the spotlight at PE Opera House play
The socioeconomic exclusion of communities and violence against young black women are put under the spotlight in Sleeping with the Enemy, a play being staged at the Port Elizabeth Opera House this week.
Sleeping with the Enemy is written by Fleur du Cap award-nominated theatre maker Lwanda Sindaphi and directed by seasoned Bay actor and comedian Lonwabo Xatasi.
The play follows a married couple whose child has been raped and burnt, after which the mother writes the township off as an unsafe space and demands the family relocate.
Director Xatasi said: “The atrocities constantly projected onto black women and young girls are put under scrutiny to initiate a constructive dialogue that will take us forward.“We have not found a common space to engage constructively about these discussions.”
Sleeping with the Enemy is part of the Opera House’s Drama Seasons programme.
The play is brought to life by a very talented cast, including Fiks Mahola as Mongezi Ngemntu, Zoe Charles as Ntsikie Ngemntu and Xolisile Nogwanya as Mandla Ngemntu.
Best known for his role as Simphiwe on Afrikaans TV soapie 7de Laan, Mahola is a multi-talented, self-taught singer, actor, impersonator and puppeteer who started out as a stand-up comedian.
Charles studied acting in Port Elizabeth and has starred alongside greats like the late actor Joe Mafela, Tina Jaxa and contemporary rising stars like Siv Ngesi in the SABC production Khululeka.
Multi-talented performer Nogwanya is an actor, producer and singer who has been in the industry since 2010.
Sleeping with the Enemy premiered at the Barn on Wednesday and will be back on stage at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday as well.
Tickets are R50 for students and pensioners, and R100 for the general public. Double tickets are R150.
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