A no-holds-barred online campaign starring some of South Africa’s established as well as new artistic talent has been launched to address the impact of gender-based violence in South Africa. It is being linked to a 24/7 hotline established to support those impacted by such violence, help them take back their power and rebuild their lives.
Provocative and emotionally charged, Body of Evidence features a series of short, powerful musical, dance, visual, narrative, poetry and conceptual pieces. It is designed to galvanise a new way of thinking about our humanity and our responsibility to each other and to build a counter movement embracing all levels of society. Underpinning the initiative is the helpline for those subjected to gender-based violence This is according to celebrated arts and performance specialist, University of Cape Town academic Mandla Mbothwe who is also co-artistic director of Magnet Theatre.
Mbothwe, together with Mud & Fire Parables form the driving force behind the campaign, co-curated with Qondiswa James, an award-winning artist, performer and activist. Mud & Fire Parables focuses on “remembering the fragmented and excavating their buried stories to feed the living” in order to bring healing.
Mbothwe said Body of Evidence had been working closely with emotional wellness consultants, Procare both in creating content and in directing support for those needing it.
Explaining the campaign’s hard-hitting stance, he said: “There’s no time to waste. Given the extreme urgency of gender-based violence, especially femicide, the tone of the communication is direct, confrontational and visceral. It challenges current behaviours and calls for a new way of dealing with one another through compassion, empathy and respect.
“We are in a gender-based war zone. We need to extricate and bury this evil societal scourge. If we are to transcend from a state of victimhood to one of agency where we reclaim our stolen humanity, we have to speak to each other’s hearts. First, we have to dispel the myth that violence confers power. Then we must learn to make space for each other, to accommodate a diversity of values, lifestyles and genders. Otherwise we shall never break free from this blight that is hampering our social, educational and economic progress.”
More than 40 interdisciplinary artists have thus far contributed in various capacities to Body of Evidence and continue to do so. The campaign is hosted by www.bodyofevidence.co.za and associated social media platforms.
Artists include Amy Wilson, Ann Juries-May, Babalwa Makwetu, Bongile Mantsai, Chase Rhys, Elvis Sibeko (composer and editor in some instances), Faniswa Yisa, Gabriel Dirkse, Gideon Lombard, Indalo Stofile, Jenna Doveton, Koleka Putuma, Lee-Ann van Rooi, Lewellyn Afrika, Lusanda Dayimani, Masasa Mbangeni, Nkosinathi Ngomezulu, Rehane Abrahams, Tanya Arshamian, Thandeka Dladla, Tseko Thukani, Vathiswa Nodlayiya and Vuyolwethu Nompetsheni. Amongst them are previous winners of the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards and a past winner of the Distell National Playwright Competition.
“All the artists, each in their own way, depict how the societal scar of gender-based violence spares no culture or community in our country. From the most powerful to the most marginalised, South Africans are harming each other. Anger and physical force are masking frustrations, hopelessness, self-loathing and helplessness.”
Body of Evidence will live well into next year and beyond, said Mbothwe: “We want Body of Evidence to serve South African communities and remain a repository for their stories on an ongoing basis. Given the extent of gender-based violence in our country, we see this as a 365-days-a-year dialogue. We are putting a call out there for everyone to join our fight. This is a collective effort. We are working with others and in turn ask others to join us.
“Oku kucudisa kobofu kubuntu bethu luxanduva lwethu sonke (It is our collective burden to squeeze out the pus and cleanse our humanity).”
The www.bodyofevidence.co.za site will also house an e-book that will allow visitors to contribute their own creative responses to gender-based violence and femicide. “We want this campaign to work as a conversation too,” Mbothwe added.
While all the artists will drive their own substantial individual community of followers to the site, so will high-profile personalities Masasa Mbangeni, Ann Jurries-May and Bongile Mantsai, each helping to broaden the reach of the campaign.
Those who have experienced gender-based violence are urged to call the 24/7 hotline number, 0800 428 428 for help.
