Entertainment

Fed-up women take a stand against township violence and male ego in ‘Lysistrata in the Hood’

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Simphiwe Khanyile, Lindokuhle Hlengwa, Thandoluhle Ndawonde, Nkosiyapha Zungu, Sphelele Dladla and Sibahle Shangase (front), set to star in DUT's "Lysistrata in the Hood".

Image: Supplied

Lysistrata in the Hood

DUT Drama students presents a modern retelling of "Lysistrata", this time, "In the Hood" is a timeless comedy/drama written by Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes about war, feminism and the universal power of women.

"Lysistrata in the Hood" interrogates the power and role of women’s voices in tempering the male ego to bring peace and order to a broken society. Based on the Greek myth of a group of fed-up women who are exhausted by war, who find a novel way to encourage their men to reach a peace agreement.

Directed by Marcia Mzindle, this reimagined DUT staging places the action in a local township where women have reached their wits’ end in the face of domestic violence, appalling service delivery, drugs, gangs and the fall-out from male rage and ego.  

"Lysistrata" formulates a novel solution - to withhold sex until the men reassess their behaviour and modify their need for violence and control.

The production contains strong language and scenes of violence and is recommended for mature audiences.

Where: Courtyard Theatre, Durban University of Technology.

When: Thursday and Friday at 6pm. Tickets will be sold at the door. 

"Bigly Yuge" cast.

Image: Playhouse Theatre.

Bigly Yuge

"Bigly Yuge" humorously explores the lives of plus-size individuals, challenging stereotypes and celebrating body diversity through comedy, drama, song and dance.

The play highlights the struggles, joys and societal expectations surrounding weight, self-image, and confidence.

It uses humour and engaging storytelling to bring awareness to how society treats larger bodies while delivering a message of self-love and empowerment.

Where: Playhouse Loft Theatre, Durban central. 

When: May 29 and 30.