DUT Drama Studies students are set to participate in the Dance Umbrella 2012 where they are expected to share the stage with South African, African and international artists.

“Imbokodo” is a collaboration between eight third year DUT Drama Studies students and two graduates (from DUT and the University of KwaZulu-Natal). The performance which deals with women abuse, specifically rape, was choreographed by DUT alumnus and Drama Studies Dance Lecturer Mdu Mtshali.

“I chose the concept because women abuse has become a norm and even a joke. It is being taken lightly so much so that even government does not fully intervene or provide the solution. Women living in rural areas suffer the most because hospitals and police stations where they can get help are not easily accessible,” said Mtshali.

The performance revolves around one man who portrays the role of an abuser.
The story is however not for the faint hearted. It kicks off with a naked female who has just been raped. Mtshali said rape victims emerge from the nightmare with physical and emotional trauma, adding that the bold decision to show a naked woman who has just been sexually violated would portray the “reality” of rape.

“People know and hear about rape but showing a naked person, who has just endured the ordeal of rape, is more powerful. The scene will show the true state of a rape victim. It (the naked scene) will be tastefully done, in the sense that lighting will be smartly used so that the scene is not explicit,” he said.

The performance will also feature a “peeling of the skin” which symbolises how rape or abuse victims often feel that they need “cleansing” (in the African sense) or psychological treatment to help them rebuild their lives. “Imbokodo” also uses poetry and projected images and text about rape.

“The images will show ‘closed door’ issues in the sense that abuse often happens behind closed doors. The images will also have a potent effect on the audience,” he said.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu

Noluthando Kubheka, Zinhle April Khanyile, Lungelwa Radebe Noluthando Kubheka, Zinhle April Khanyile, Lungelwa Radebe	Noluthando Kubheka (female) and Charles Zulu (male)
Thobeka Ntanzi, Lungelwa Radebe, Noluthando Kubheka