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The Pregnant Lesbian
Review by Mamodima Monnakgotla
There are two ways to look at the story of 41-year-old Tapuwa Moore who wrote, directed and performs in the play, The Pregnant Lesbian.
Familiar with places such as Koma and Bolani roads and the residents surrounding Jabulani Mall, in the sketch, Moore first mentions these elements with a peaceful nostalgia whose current audience could receive the story as an enlightening revolution where strength can be drawn.
However, when the story takes a dark turn towards a drug-abusing brother; multiple rapes by friends and family; and homophobic abuse, a pregnant lesbian becomes a living legend’s tale that will forever be attached to its infamous subject.
I will not choose a side yet, because after experiencing Moore’s riveting narrative, I am less confident to speak for someone in her shoes.
Where I stand, both platforms require a certain level of understanding that I don’t have.
In attempt to make a choice, two questions proved my insignificant and inexperienced voice on this subject.
What’s it like being a rape survivor?
What does it take to face daily trauma and abuse as a lesbian and rape survivor, while trying to just be myself?
‘Ngoanyana-Moshimane’ and Stabane are derogatory terms coined in black townships to describe lesbian and gay people.
Moore’s raw account of events is told in authentic Soweto language where such derogative terms are complemented by the minimalist bra, panty, ankle socks and t-shit wardrobe she dawns throughout the show and the emotional exposure of the feelings that I believe have haunted her into this moving production.
In one scene she highlights corrective rape in a brilliant analogy: “Maybe, if I knew what gender this car is, I may be able to fix it.”
The emotional rollercoaster continues to increase and decline into laughter, tears, and song. At some point, Moore seems to have lost her mind, but perhaps that is a trick she uses to get her audience lost in her performance, overlooking her half-naked body and witnessing a brave human-being shed and unfold into a new life.
The Pregnant Lesbian opened at The Soweto Theatre last night and will be running until October 7, 2018. Tickets are available at the door for R100 and also at Webtickets
Review by Mamodima Monnakgotla
