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Memories and Empty Spaces


When you hear a story of young rural girl moves to the City and 'forgets' where she comes from, you're thinking typical, right? But not quite. Championed by Champions of the Environment, Memories and Empty Spaces reminds audiences that the story is in the intent in which it is told. Because more often than not, we are different people, going through similar things all in pursuit of belonging.


The story is centred around the character of a young womxn - Pulane (she who makes it rain, literally!) - whom like anyone of us is confronted with an identity crisis. Being raised to conform and follow what is believed and known to be true, only to go out and meet other worlds that threaten who you are and what you've known your entire life...it's a crisis. What now? Do you discard that which has brought you this far? Do you embrace this new you and see what truth it holds? Or do you perhaps put the two worlds together and see if they will work amidst negative connotations wrapped in cultural proverbs such as O ka se hlankele marena a mabedi? As writer and director Ntshieng Mokgoro puts it, the play doesn't give out solutions...we're saying here are the issues...and people will take them home and find answers for themselves. 
Teresa Phuti Mojela and Ntsika Ngxanga complete this theatrical threesome with their choreography and composition, respectively, to become a collective of amazing storytellers, as Ntsika puts it. The magic that they worked to get the actors to give us such stellar performances is notable. There is a synergy between the movements and words that were fed to the audience. Music keeps people engaged, movement keeps them awake. There was never a dull moment in this play and it kept reminding us that our stories matter because as Rupi Kaur puts it, you must never trade honesty for relatability. 
The show had a run at the Olive Tree Theatre in Wynberg (just on the doorstep of Alex) from August 25th until September 10th. Yes, you missed out! Check out their Facebook page for more on upcoming shows.

[Photos courtesy of the Expresso morning show interview]

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