The Woordfees play, “All Who Pass” written by Amy Jephta, which showcased at Rhenish Girls High School on 8 March, emphasised the need for the Stellenbosch community to reflect on the narrative of coloured people during apartheid.
According to some cast members, it was important to showcase “All Who Pass” at Woordfees as some members of the local community might not understand the impact and reality that forced removals had on communities.
“[Stellenbosch] is an audience that needs to take part in the forcibly removed and restitution discourse,” said Roberto Kyle, who played the character of Farouk. The story is important because it might seem very far-fetched, or culturally or racially removed, for people weren’t affected by it, said Kyle.
Iman Isaacs and Elton Landrew during a scene of the play. Photo: Kesia Abrahams.
The play follows the lives of two families from District Six as they prepare to be forcibly removed due to the apartheid government’s Group Areas Act.
“My hope is that the production gives the audience some insight to an event that many are still generationally reeling with,” said Jawaahier Petersen, who played the character of Rayda. Peterson said that the play gave a voice to those who never had the opportunity to be heard and to witness and experience the return.
“I think [the message] was really important, just to show how the impact of apartheid and the Group Areas Act is not forgotten and still lives on in people’s lives,” said Stacey Goliath, a student who watched the play.
The final Woordfees production of “All Who Pass” will take place at 16:00, on 9 March.
The “All Who Pass” set included typical 1970s furniture. Photo: Kesia Abrahams.