Powerful voices against hate crime

Monishka Govender|Published 5 months ago

UKZN students performing in Chapter 2, Section 9 are, from left around Amanda Zuma sitting in the centre, Thandolwethu Sithole; Nolwazi Makena, Aphelele Zwane, Angelique Ramjathan and Enoluthando Ngubane. Picture: Val Adamson

Poignant and profound narratives about South Africa’s ongoing struggle for gender equality and the rights of the LGBTQI+ community unfold in the play, Chapter 2, Section 9.

Directed by Phyllis Klotz, the production is on today and tomorrow at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

The title references a crucial section of South Africa’s constitution that enshrines the right to gender equality and sexual orientation, ignored in criminal and pervasive hate crimes against the community.

Based on heart-rending testimonies of more than 40 lesbian women, with input from their families, lawyers and law enforcement officials, the play doubles as as performance art and an educational vehicle.

Masterful storytelling interwoven with song and music, Chapter 2, Section 9 authentically captures the experiences of lesbian women in South Africa, particularly in the black community which is the most frequent target of deadly hate crimes.

Drama and Performance lecturer and production manager Marcia Mzindle said: “Through these humanising and often harrowing narratives, we gain empathy and insight into the experiences of what it means to be black and lesbian in South Africa. It speaks to us as a community and calls us into action to advocate, hold space and be in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.”

Mzindle emphaised that the fight for freedom transcended racial boundaries, urging collective action against all forms of oppression.

“Chapter 2, Section 9 presents intimate and compelling real-life stories of lesbian women of colour in South Africa. South Africa fought for freedom, not only from racism and race oppression, but for all systems that would dominate and decide that one group is superior to another,” said Mzindle.

Enoluthando Ngubane in a scene from Chapter 2, Section 9 remembering some of the 40 victims represented in the play. Picture: Val Adamson

Talented UKZN Drama and Performance Studies students Amanda Zuma, Aphelele Zwane, Angelique Ramjathan, Enoluthando Ngubane, Nolwazi Makena and Thando Sithole make up the cast. Their commitment to bringing this narrative to life is bolstered by vocal arranger Smal Ndaba and composer Clinton Musawenkosi Ndlovu. This collaboration provides students with an opportunity to learn and grow under the mentorship of Klotz, whose work has been recognised nationally and internationally.

Chapter 2, Section 9 is intended to challenge perceptions, foster empathy and reinforce the message that everyone, irrespective of their identity, deserves the right to live freely and without fear.