Interrogation Room, a new stage thriller, will expose apartheid secrets regarding the kidnapping of a teenage freedom fighter by the police.
This Wednesday, September 7, “Interrogation Room,” directed by Zwelibanzi Sibiya, will premiere at the South African State Theatre (SAST) for a limited season.
Written by Refilwe Sibiya, “Interrogation Room” recounts the 1986 arrest of Vusi Ndlovu (Sabelo Motloung) on suspicion of terrorism by the Special Branch Police.
Lieutenant De Kok (Richard Nel) and Constable Themba Maseko are thereafter at his mercy ( Peter Mashigo).
The incident is told through Themba Maseko’s recounting of events to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in the 1990s.
Zwelibanzi Sibiya told IOL Entertainment that his objective for this piece was to reveal the harsh realities behind apartheid in South Africa.
“This is a very personal narrative, but I wanted to give South Africans a first-hand account of what our fathers, uncles, and brothers through as a result of the apartheid regime,” said Sibiya.
“Much has been stated about what transpired during the apartheid era, but we have not seen the account of what occurred behind the closed doors of the so-called interrogation rooms.”
According to Sibiya, the plot was inspired by his research for a musical on Robben Island.
“As part of my study, I interviewed baba uS’bu Ndebele, the former premier of KwaZulu-Natal. And when he was telling me about Robben Island, he said, “No, man, let me tell you what happened before you got to Robben Island… you must first undergo interrogation.”
“He stated that Robben Island was insignificant as comparison to the interrogation chamber. He described it as the cruelest aspect of the procedure.
Sibiya claimed that Ndebele informed him of their “inhumane” living conditions.
“At the time, detainees did not have access to family visitation, nor were they permitted legal representation. Nobody could see you, so they could beat you and allow you to recover for several days before anyone notices. During this time, he lost his teeth. He informed me that his teeth were knocked out during one of these times of torment.
He stated that as part of his study, he had the “pleasure” of meeting former president Jacob Zuma, who recounted comparable interrogation chamber incidents.
“He stated, ‘All of your humanity was torn away’ They would place two wooden sticks on a bucket and declare, “This is your toilet; there is no toilet paper, nothing to wipe yourself with, or anything else.”
“As artists, we wished to depict the concept of law against justice. We believe these experiences are still important because it is evident that South Africa’s transition to freedom left much to be desired.”
Sibiya went on to add that the performance is intended to spark conversation among the audience.
“South Africans will like the play since it reflects their culture. As my credo, I assert that when I create art, be it a film or a documentary, I face society with its own reality.
Therefore, it will be their responsibility to explain, ‘These events occurred in the past, but what can we do moving forward?’
“Also, the actor portraying De Kok is part of a larger picture I have on reconciliation, but I’m referring to genuine reconciliation. Richardt Nel is a close buddy.
This performance will facilitate an open debate. It will initiate the conversation by stating, “Let us not deny the past,” because saying apartheid in a room full of white people is tantamount to insulting everyone. They (white people) do not want to acknowledge its presence or its effect on black people, Sibiya concluded.
Before its national tour, “Interrogation Room” will run from September 7 to 11 at the SA State Theatre. Dates and locations have not yet been confirmed.
Tickets at Webtickets cost R120.
Throughout National Heritage Month, theatres across the nation are packed with informative and entertaining productions, ranging from comedies to dramas.
You wish to become a Trophy Wife?
The Square Theatre
Date: September 14 – 24.
Written and sung by Sue Diepeveen, “So you want to be a Trophy Wife” is a touching and amusing comedy.
In her new play, Marie examines the feelings of insecurity associated with aging and how older women must assume their place as economic stakeholders.
What happens when, in a culture where women frequently describe themselves as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, or someone’s mother, you are suddenly none of these?
Marie analyzes her past and future as she packs up her mother’s belongings. Should she attempt online dating to find a new husband? Or is it time for her to stand alone?
This is the Year of the Bicycle.
The Drama Workshop
Date: September 15- 16.
After nearly a decade, the hit play “The Year of the Bicycle” by Joanna Evans returns to South African stages with a new interpretation, a new director, and new actors.
Amelia and Andile, two children from vastly different circumstances, became friends over a garden wall in the play. Ten years later, they have become estranged and suffer concussions in separate accidents at the same time. They reunite in each other’s confused thoughts.
The story of “The Year of the Bicycle,” directed by Dara Beth and starring Kamogelo Mhlantla and Samantha Carlisle, is as pertinent in 2022 as it was when the film debuted in 2013.
This is the Year of the Bicycle.
The Drama Workshop
Date: September 15- 16.
After nearly a decade, the hit play “The Year of the Bicycle” by Joanna Evans returns to South African stages with a new interpretation, a new director, and new actors.
Amelia and Andile, two children from vastly different circumstances, became friends over a garden wall in the play. Ten years later, they have become estranged and suffer concussions in separate accidents at the same time. They reunite in each other’s confused thoughts.
The story of “The Year of the Bicycle,” directed by Dara Beth and starring Kamogelo Mhlantla and Samantha Carlisle, is as pertinent in 2022 as it was when the film debuted in 2013.