The Suit: A Heartbreaking Story Based On Reality
We entered the Theatre On The Square knowing the story would be sad one. But, having not read Can Themba’s novel, we weren’t sure what to expect besides the general story we had read in a brief synopsis.
The audience was buzzing with excitement at what the theatre performance might offer. As the lights dimmed and voices started drifting from the stage, we could tell we were going to experience a theatrical masterpiece.
Finally exiting the theatre after about two hours on the edge of our seats, we were filled with mixed emotions. In the end, there was no happily ever after – at least not in the traditional sense. There was also no way of pinpointing who the hero and the villain were. It reminded us of reality, where things are much more complicated. It’s not just black or white.
The Suit In Its Original Medium
The Suit – by South African journalist and writer, Can Themba – recently made its theatre debut at the Theatre On The Square in Johannesburg. The production was adapted from the timeless novel by the same name, transformed into a visual narrative that captivated the ears, eyes and hearts of the audience.
Set in Sophiatown during South Africa’s Apartheid era, The Suit follows the story of how Philemon finds his wife in bed with another man and punishes her by making her carry her lover’s suit around as if it were a person. He wants her to be reminded of her betrayal. However, Philemon goes a step too far when she develops depression from this constant state of embarrassment and sorrowfulness. Ultimately, an exploration of human emotions is combined within a critique of social conditions during apartheid.
The Suit’s Theatrical Re-enactment
In the production, a mere four-person cast made the stage their own. The Suit stars Sello Maake Kancube, Tshireletso Nkoane, Job Kubatsi and Lebohang Motaung. Directed by Jeff Tshabalala, the short story has been reformed with depth and raw emotion, portraying a powerful narrative.
The talented actors lured the audience into the story, so much so that we felt as though we were living in Sophiatown with them. in fact, at times it felt as though we were the ones being forced to lug around this controversial suit. Or, we felt as if our lover had betrayed us.
The production speaks to themes of love, betrayal and resilience in the face of Apartheid. It tells a story of unforgivable sin, oppression in its worse form and how revenge is not worth it.
Essentially, The Suit is a historic story with a human element attached to it, played out on stage. It’s educational entertainment in its finest form. In fact, it suggests the way forward in South African theatre, with productions that resonates with audiences through the country’s harsh past and often uncertain future.
The Suit is so much more than just a fun night out. It provides depth and reason to your visit to the theatre.
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