Khanyi and I went out on a date to Pappas then later to the theatre to watch the classic. ​

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I think what stood out for me more especially after watching the play was the question by an author, audience member - What does it mean for the writer in the modern day? Because writers like Can Themba were able to share their stories on publicatrions like DRUM Magazine and so forth. And Jefferson Tshabalals's answer among other things was this: ADAPT. 

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When we want to see works on stage - as like a playwright you have to share it with willing directors. Enter the Distell Playwright competition and even more and others. The means have not died really. 

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I think that we can use social media as a fun and engaging tool actually. When we watch skits online most also have a beautiful storyline. We all know Tashnika from TikTok. Many of us know that story and we enjoy watching it. What stops me now from saying hey - Let's develop this story into a play. Let me write for you. We are consistently trying to separate industries whilst I believe there is so much that can and will be done collaborating. ​

Anyway; the play. I would like to give the remarkable Job Kubatsi a hand for being an amazing actor. I really enjoyed his performance and the way he naturally carries what comedy is meant to do in serious tales. I enjoyed the Tshireletso Nkoane's performance as well. There is a way that she also does it - just naturally, effortless. As for Sello Maake ka Ncube, I think that I enjoyed his character's drunken state; it's convincing especially in the theatre having seen it challenge many actors on stage. For someone who has done the play countless times; it's really beautiful. His commitment to the story is commendable and just interesting given that because of time and the ways society evolves; he is allowed so many chances and ways to play with how he approaches character.

 

I wonder why Philemon's wife doesn't just leave him after she is unfaithful. Did she need to bear that haunting and daunting punishment? Is it that couples back then just carried on, no matter what?  Those vows are real - word is bond? I wonder actually, what is the most fitting punishment for betrayal? For me, in the case of Philemon and Matilda is this - he was probably cheating already too. I don't know, man. Hmmmm

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I'm feeling that women specifically, so much is put on them for being women. When men do it, it's power. If we do it; we should be ostracised and judged or labelled or whatever. Even humiliated and harshly abused like Matilda in the play. Yeah, I am a woman and it gets scarier to imagine myself in this here world. So, I have to be even scarier than men. Cause men WILL kill us. Just gotta scare them. Make them uncomfortable. Especially, when they should be. Okay, actually no. Not my point. 

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Anyway, in closing. You have to watch the play to really understand where I'm going with this. And like, this wasn't an adaptation for a reason. The message still stands, I guess. ​

Go watch it and let's chat some more.