Voices Against Abuse

24 Nov 2011 - 24 Nov 2011

Venue: Main Theatre
Ages: All Ages

“DON’T LOOK AWAY”, a powerful two-hander play written and directed by acclaimed theatre director and actor Jerry Mofokeng, will tour Limpopo, Mmumalanga and the North Western Province during the 16 Days of Activism period from 25 November to 12 December. Funded by the Foundation for Human Rights, the play focus on issues relating to violence against women and children.
Strategic partnerships between government and civil society and business, have been established to ensure that the play is seen by as wide an audience as possible in Limpopo , Mmumalanga and the North West Province. The Human Rights Foudation and all stakeholders who have committed their venues, services and other resources want to use this dramatic vehicle to galvanise education and discussion around these harsh realities.
The play opens with a launch performance at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg on 24th November at 19h00 . Voices Against Abuse was written by Mofokeng and established TV writer Nomcebo Ngema. No stranger to our viewing screens, his other directing credits include Boesman and Lena and Once an African.
Coco Merckel and Esmeralda Bihl, both highly-accomplished South African actors anchor this play with amazing, resonant performances that will make audiences laugh ... and cry. Some of their previous TV credits include Suburban Bliss and the film Max and Mona and TV’s Heartlines.
Designed to tour, this two-hander will play in town halls, community arts centres and theatres and be interspersed by discussions between the different vignettes that provide chilling pictures of the trauma suffered by victims of violence. It is rooted in the theatrical tradition of “activist” theatre with its inherent call to action, powerful imagery, moving and often disturbing storylines and characters that will stay with you long after.
Voices Against Abuse attempts to explore the root causes of domestic abuse and violence. It is thought provoking and occasionally deeply disturbing. The production shys away from offering answers but instead uses skilled facilitators from organisations like LoveLife and Soul City to lead discussions so that audiences responses are debriefed.
The producers are working with the Foundation for Human Rights and organisations in the towns that it will tour to in order to reach the maximum number of people across the country, particularly women and children in rural areas. Entrance is FREE at the door.
Dates of performances, venues and times:
Market Theatre, Johannesburg – 24 November @ 19h00
Library Gardens Auditorium, Polokwane - 25 November @14h00 and 19h00
Town Hall, Thohoyandou - 26 November @ 16h00 and 19h00
Community Hall, Bela Bela - - 27 December @14h00 and 18h00
Venue TBC , Nelspruit - 2 December @14h00 and 19h00
Johannes Stukman, Secunda - 3 December @17h00 and 20h00
Civic Centre, Witbank - 4 December @14h00 and 18h00
Mmabana, Taung - 8 December @ 15h00 and 17h00
Mmabana Arts Centre , Mahikeng - 9 December @ 20h00
Mmabana Arts Centre, Mahikeng - 10 December @ 11h00
Mmabana Arts Centre, Lehurutse - 11 December @ 11h00 and 15h00
Please contact Neo Maelane neo.maelane@bydesignafrica.com or on 082 466 2161/ 011 4628546 to set up intervews or to request photographs.