“Accurate reality reflection” were the words audiences gave to Straatlig Namakwaland Music Play.
A local Theatre production hosted a musical play over the weekend in Concordia, Nababeep, and Springbok portraying individual daily struggles together with the National Arts Council, Presidential Employment stimulus, and Department of Sport Arts & Culture. This was participated in and managed by local youth.
Community members came in large numbers from young to old to support the production. The audiences got to experience an emotional rollercoaster and for some, it hit home.
Monique Lesch, producer & writer said the purpose was to educate and remind society that as individuals – we need to unite. And be less judgmental of one’s circumstances because everyone has their own demons they are fighting.
“Alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, bullying, prostitution, and poverty are daily issues which people are going through and they need to be addressed,” said Lesch. Adding, that the negative stigma happening around HIV/AIDS needs to stop as times have evolved.
Cotton Sky said LGBTQIA+ (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community, they have come to embrace society’s derogatory names and judgments.
“At this era and point in time, one needs to be bold and proud of who they are. That closes the gap of insults and educate people about the community,” Sky said.
They added, “no one is forced to accept anyone but respect and acknowledgment of the other person is vital for the sake of humanity. We here to stay – We ain’t going anywhere”.
With the surging number of suicidal pupils in South Africa due to bullying, young folks compared notes to their everyday lives at school.
Skylar Classen (11) said there is a need to educate and address the matter, that everyone comes from different households for which not everyone is privileged to have the necessary latest lifestyle accessories.
“In this generational era, one needs thick skin and be able to stand for themselves. Your home, clothes, circle of friends, phone, and what you portray on social media will determine the treatment you receive from your peers,” she said.
Charl-lee Fortian (11) said there is a need for strong advocacy for those with no voice falling to be victims of bullying.
Jo-Ann Cloete (35) commenting regarding the play, said “life is conniving, the question is what to do when finding yourself in an undesirable position. It is not a matter of the problem facing at that time but what is the solution and who can you trust”.
With the successful and pleasing outcome of the play, director: Franche Van Den Heever said she is satisfied with the final product despite minor challenges they faced when putting together the play.
“There were personality clashes, people going off-script as expected and props being stolen at Okiep REC Club.
But, despite those challenges, we managed to put together one and one because the goal was to remind community members of reality dilemmas confronting different individuals”.
Lesch said establishing a playlist was not a trivial matter. They chose songs that can be relatable to the scenario, and touch audiences heart, and the cast delivered the vocal notes.
Amelia Milford expressed emotional disturbance reflecting on the miscarriage scene. She said when a child makes grave mistake under the name of love, a parent must reprimand the child and give guidance. Disowning leads to regrettable consequential actions.
Cloete said such plays are important and they need to be hosted from time to time.
