In The Suit Concer-tized the female character of Matilda is represented as a strong woman who faces her circumstances with a brave face

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

It almost felt like the old days that is before Covid-19 caused havoc, affecting in a significant way, especially those who love theatre and other performance events such as music concerts. This is as we could not go out during that pandemic’s reign of terror. But of course not quite the old days anyway. What about some of the artists that have been lost to that disease and they are countless to recount here. We will not be able to see them on stage again.

But Saturday, September 16, 2023, became a wonderful day to go out and enjoy theatre. Good theatre for that matter that reminded us of the beauty of theatre. We were reminded of the magic of theatre as we enjoyed watching this star studded cast do what they know best. And boy, did they do it.

The Suit Concer-tized is a special production in many ways. One of which is the fact that it is a dramatization of an iconic short story written by a talented writer Can Themba of the Sophiatown fame. It is he who alongside other iconic Drum writers, including Bloke Modisane, Casey Motsitsi, Todd Matshikiza, Lewis Nkosi and Nat Nakasa among others, captured moments of the time among black folk. You cannot talk about Sophiatown, that slum that gave the apartheid fathers a hard time, as its cosmopolitan character and talent among its residents, went against the grand plan of apartheid of racial segregation.

Themba and other scribes of the time, were not only good journalists, but they were also creative writers, whose creative outputs till this day is celebrated by the current generation. For example, besides writing exceptionally well as reporters, they were also composers of music, poets and creative writers, a rare combination of talent that eludes many today. The Suit, written in 1963 is a classic example of that talent.

However in today’s South Africa that grapples with Gender Based Violence and patriarchal attitudes and practices, some have questioned the short story about its contribution and value to advancing gender equity. This is why there are others who have over the years come up with their own versions of The Suit, extending its tentacles to be consistent with current thinking when it comes to sensibilities around masculinity and the representation of women’s position in literature. For example, current feminist writers such as Mankosazana Xaba and Zukiswa Wanner, have written their own feminist versions of the same story, positioning the main character, Matilda, as a strong woman and not as a victim of the circumstances of her own making.

This latest version of the stage production is another way of retelling this story in a manner that pays particular attention to current thinking about gender sensitivity and representation in text. That is why the play does not end in representing Matilda as a defeated woman who feels the shame of her cheating and therefore, deserving of the punishment that her husband metes out to her. Instead in this latest representation, she is a strong woman, who instead of committing suicide as in the original story of Can Themba’s The Suit, decides to leave the husband.

I thought that was a powerful way of representing Matilda, her circumstances she finds herself entangled in, and the decision she eventually has to make. And that is to move on in her life after realising that she could not continue in her marriage suffering from the punishment. But instead of choosing the option of a coward who commits suicide, she accepts the irretrievability of her marriage and moves on and saves her life in the process. We do not know what happens in her life later, but that decision she took seemed to be a reasonable option under the circumstances.

The acting by this cast is fantastic, especially by Cudjo Green who plays the role of Matilda and Vusi Kunene, portraying the character of Philemon. In this production, you will be taken back into the Sophiatown of the 1950s, not only through the dialogue among the actors, but a combination of musical genres, such as gospel and classical music intricately weaved nicely together with jazz music. In fact jazz and marabi defined the cultural feature of Sophiatown. Tghose musical styles’ genesis are very much linked to the vibrant lifestyles of Sophiatown with its colourful and master writers such as Can Themba and his colleagues. This is a highly recommended production.

 In essence, revenge is a dish best served in a suit! Join Vusi Kunene, Khutjo Green and Brian Temba for a stirring musical imagining of Can Themba’s classic short story about lust and betrayal during the season of The Suit Concer-tized at Joburg Theatre’s Mandela Theatre for a limited season from 15 to 24 September 2023.

Directed by the gifted Warona Seane, this new reworking of Themba’s brilliant Sophiatown-era story hits our stages during Heritage Month, complete with outstanding musical arrangements and original compositions by Tshepo Tsotetsi and Viwe Mkizwana, performed live by the talented young New Skool Orchestra.

Special daytime performances and discounted ticket prices are available for learners and students.

Reimagining the Sophiatown-era Can Themba story of a jilted husband’s revenge on his cheating wife through a feminist lens, this new musical has been executive-produced, conceptualised and adapted by Dr Mothobi Mutloatse (who adapted the original story for the stage in 1994 with playwright Barney Simon). The BUZ Factor’s Bridget van Oerle is associate producer on the production.

Says James Ngcobo, artistic director of Joburg City Theatres who has previously directed The Suit for the stage, “Can Themba’s The Suit is a classic story of romantic betrayal and revenge that is far more than a period piece – it is a vivid and timeless narrative that lends itself to reinterpretation in many contexts.

“The Suit Concer-tized reflects a strong feminist focus, giving the female protagonist, Matilda, more agency and weaving in the issue of gender-based violence that is such a scourge in our society. Adding to its topicality, brought to life by a top-flight cast, creative and technical team, the live orchestra elevates the storytelling to even greater heights. Audiences are going to love it!”

In addition to Seane, the strong women-led production team sees costume design being helmed by Nadia Kruger and set design by Sarah Roberts. Plus, the vibrant New Skool Orchestra is predominantly made up of young female musicians. Sound design is by XX and lighting design by XX.

In addition to Kunene (who bagged an FNB Vita Best Actor Award for his role in the play of the same name 21 years ago) as cuckolded husband Philemon, Green as Matilda/Mbalenhle and Temba as the love interest Thozamile/Orpheus, the musical also introduces two gifted classical musicians to audiences – violinist Lebogang Ledwaba as the young Matilda and violist Kgaugelo Mpiyane as the young Thozamile. Supporting actors include veterans Job Kubatsi (also a previous FNB Vita Award winner for The Suit) and Alistair Dube.

This production blends drama with classical music, gospel, choral and jazz music, infused with modern-day original, authentic South African sounds.

Don’t miss this seminal reworking of a classic! Make a date to see The Suit Concer-tized at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela Theatre from 15 to 24 September 2023. Book through Webtickets.

The Suit Concer-tized is presented by the Sowetan in association with Dr Mothobi Mutloatse, with the generous support of the National Arts Council, Gauteng Film Commission and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Can Themba’s legendary short story, The Suit (1963), has held a prominent place in South Africa’s literary history. First published in the inaugural issue of The Classic, a literary journal founded by Nat Nakasa and Nadine Gordimer, it was immediately banned by the apartheid regime. A poignant tale of betrayal and punishment, the story is set in 1950s Sophiatown, where a young wife, Matilda, takes a lover and her doting husband, Philemon, discovers them in bed. The young man flees, leaving his suit behind. The suit then becomes an unwanted guest in their home; Philemon uses it to taunt and humiliate Matilda, right until the story’s tragic end. Writer and publisher Dr Mothobi Mutloatse and playwright Barney Simon adapted the story into a play in 1994, premiering at the Market Theatre.

Performance details:

●      Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre from Friday 15 September 2023 to Sunday 24 September 2023

●      Book at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1533480199