03 Apr 2022

 The two day theatre production play, Another Devil on the Cross is not only about entertainment but a must watch as society is faced with the social ills stemming from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Despite the play not attracting many spectators on its premier night at Maitisong Theatre on Friday the play unpacked societal ills and pressures. 

As some would not understand it, those who attended related and enjoyed the play.   Produced by Lepatata Ensemble, the play which ended on Saturday headlined South Africa’s Aubrey Poo as the Pastor.

The 15 member cast play highlighted many pressures in society particularly with people being abused.

Showcased in a church set-up, Another Devil on the Cross focuses on abuse and oppression from a person with authority and the inability to stand up and take back the power by the victims.

In the play, Trisha Magwaneng portrays Sister Ann character who is abused by a pastor, played by Poo.

Sister Ann left her African Apostolic religion to become a Nun trainee, and whilst in the training process her, along with other Nun trainees were subjected to abuse by  Pastor Poo.  Shamed and pressured by society’s conforms, Sister Ann find it difficult to leave the covenant, even the Reverend Mother is unable to stand up to the Pastor and speak truth for the Nun trainees. “The show depicts deep inconsistencies of religion, where we see bigotry coming from the Reverend and there are challenges which everyone has experienced or affected by,” Creative and Photographer Batho Motlhake shared his insights about the play.

He said the play deliberately ponder on whether Africans reject their traditions and norms, and only conformed to western Christianity.

Motlhake said African traditional beliefs were entangled with religion.  “Divorcing the other leaves one with only half of it,” he added.  The play also touched on the society and church diminishing the role of women in society.

“These are issues which are very interesting, and we need to continue teaching people the importance of women’s role in the society as a leader,” Motlhake said. Another Devil on the Cross, written and directed by Shabba Kgotlaetsho is a true reflection that though women constitute a high number of the global population, they are still subjugated. It is such productions which highlights gaps in the efforts to empower and give women their rightful places in society.

Lepatata Ensemble theatre productions focuses on current affairs issues in society. Out of the 15 member cast on Another Devil on the Cross, 14 are women and both the technical and creative teams were led by women.  ENDS