Latest Theatre on the Square show brings cultures together
Director of Home Affairs shares with guests how the production came into existence and added the message behind it at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton.
In the latest live production showcasing at the Theatre on the Square, a combination of cultural struggles, current affairs, and comradery tell a tale of how two middle-aged men in South Africa found hope in a hopeless place.
Titled Home Affairs, the opening scene starts out with a middle-aged black individual, played by Sello Ramolahloane, queuing in line at home affairs. While awkwardly interacting with other individuals waiting to be assisted, he is met by a middle-aged white man, played by Lawrence Joffe, who is seated next to him.
Due to the circumstances of load-shedding and the inevitable presence of the home affairs system being offline, both men are forced to share their reasons as to why they are in the predicament they found themselves in. The chemistry between the two progresses through each discussed topic and they soon realise that they share a few similarities centred on current affairs, trauma, and views on family dynamics.
With home affairs representing a microcosm of a failed government system, the show highlights that the important fight is neither a racial, age or cultural one, but lies with the system against the people.
“The process of writing the show took six to eight months with the help of Neil Urmson who wanted to script something about what it’s like to be a male going through a middle-life crisis in South Africa. We discovered that one cannot express their middle-life crisis when the country is in a crisis. Through both characters discovering that their main crisis is based on the system, they try to navigate hope together,” said the writer and director of Home Affairs, Michelle Douglas.
“The show really touched me, one of my favourite parts was when they shared their struggles during their upbringing. It is a relatable production that a lot of people would enjoy watching. I recommend it to everyone, and I will be watching it again with my family on Saturday,” said Vicent Phetla.
The viewing of Home Affairs will conclude on March 11 at the Theatre on the Square.
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