Cape Town - The Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival is set to showcase the award-winning production "Invisible Scars," which has been hailed as the Best Production of 2024.

This compelling two-hander, written and directed by Themba Baleni, will grace the Baxter Studio stage from 9 to 19 October 2024. Each night at 8pm, with selected matinee performances at 11am and 2.30pm, audiences will be treated to a gripping exploration of the harrowing realities of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health issues in South Africa.

"Invisible Scars" transports viewers into a world where a once-harmonious marriage becomes a high-stakes battlefield. The narrative intricately weaves love, business dealings, and personal betrayal, unravelling the profound effects of a couple's darkest thoughts and unspoken truths.

The heart-wrenching drama follows the life of a celebrated soccer player whose promising career takes a devastating turn after a life-altering car accident. This shocking twist forces him to confront the fragility of his world, challenging the audience to reflect on their own fears and find the strength to rise again.

Baleni, who also received the Best Director award at the Zabalaza Festival, has crafted a piece that transcends mere storytelling.

"Invisible Scars" immerses the audience in an emotional odyssey through physical theatre, evocative poetry, and a blend of audio-visual elements.

Each moment is meticulously designed to engage the audience in the characters’ inner turmoil and resilience. The production is not just a performance; it serves as an invitation to reflect on personal experiences and a call to embrace hope and renewal.

The urgent societal issues addressed in "Invisible Scars" resonate deeply within South Africa, where GBV remains one of the most pressing women’s rights concerns.

Recent statistics reveal that femicide is often perpetrated by intimate partners or ex-partners, emphasizing the need for immediate societal change and intervention. With women making up 51.1% of the population, the staggering statistics demand collective action and reflection on the realities faced by many.

Mdu Kweyama, the artistic director of the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, passionately articulates the impact of the play.

“This work is profoundly moving in its ability to provoke introspection and dialogue. It portrays the enduring power of theatre to effect meaningful change, presenting a narrative that resonates deeply with our shared humanity and emphasises the urgency of collective action.”

His words encapsulate the essence of "Invisible Scars" as more than just a theatrical piece; it is a compelling call to empathy and awareness regarding the unseen scars that affect individuals and society at large.

The festival's Finest of the Fest season, featuring "Invisible Scars," runs for only two weeks, making it a must-see event for theatre lovers and advocates for social change alike.

Tickets for "Invisible Scars" are priced at R100, with a discounted rate of R50 available for students and group bookings of ten or more.

Inquiries can be directed to Carmen Kearns at 021 680 3993 or via email at carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.

Alternatively, Nontsikelelo Maboza can be contacted at 021 680 3984.

Weekend Argus