Zama Mbatha

"Asixoxe"

This performance utilises Forum Theatre to address the critical issue of gender-based violence (GBV) within communities, focusing particularly on the damaging role of harmful masculinities.

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The play, titled "Asixoxe," examines how societal pressures on men to conform to restrictive gender roles contribute to verbal and emotional abuse against women. In this interactive performance, audience members become "spect-actors," empowered to interrupt the narrative and suggest alternative actions or dialogues, thereby challenging the normalization of harmful behaviours.

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"Asixoxe" explores the negative impact of harmful masculinities on relationships and communities. Set in a local Centurion, Shisanyama, the play centres around Mandla, a young man struggling with societal expectations of masculinity. When his fiancee, Lulu, excitedly shares news about a promising job interview, Mandla's friend, Tshepo, reinforces harmful norms by teasing him about being "whipped."

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Under pressure to prove his manhood, Mandia belittles Lulu's ambitions and resorts to verbal and emotional abuse. Noxy, a bystander, witnesses the escalating tension but hesitates to intervene.

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The play ends unresolved, inviting the audience to become active participants who can interrupt the scene and propose alternative actions for the characters. Through this interactive process, "Asixoxe" challenges the audience to confront harmful masculinities, examine the dynamics of abuse, and collaboratively envision strategies for creating safer and more equitable communities.

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The central question this performance seeks to answer is: How can communities actively challenge and dismantle harmful masculinities to create safer spaces and reduce the incidence of GBV? "Asixoxe" aims to foster dialogue and inspire collective action toward building more equitable and respectful relationships by engaging the audience in critical reflection and collaborative problem-solving.