You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock / Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokotho

You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock is a 1986 protest theatre piece created by Phyllis Klotz in collaboration with performers Thobeka Maqhutyana, Nomvula Qosha, and Poppy Tsira. It focuses on three central characters living in a Cape Town township, facing racial, social, and economic inequality. The play highlights the struggles and resilience of women in a patriarchal society, showcasing their efforts to ensure the survival and well-being of their families. The themes of gender activism and gender parity remain relevant today, making it an important historical document and a landmark play for high schools and students of theatre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 106 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2021
Publisher: Wits University Press

You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Written in 1986 by director Phyllis Klotz in collaboration with performers Thobeka Maqhutyana, Nomvula Qosha, and Poppy Tsira, this play is a contemporary South African classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Set in a Cape Town township, the play revolves around three central characters: Sdudla, Mambhele, and Mampompo. These women navigate a world that is racially, socially, and economically unequal, facing limited work opportunities and immense challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. Men, who are mostly absent from this world, work as cheap migrant labor in urban areas, leaving women to bear the burden of caring for their families and maintaining family cohesion.

The play is a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by these women in a society ruled by apartheid laws. Under the constant surveillance of helicopters and state security police, they must undertake great risks to visit their husbands and ensure the survival of their families. Their resilience and determination are awe-inspiring, as they work tirelessly to overcome obstacles and provide for their loved ones.

The play's themes of gender activism and the need for gender parity are as relevant today as they were fifty years ago. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of challenging oppressive systems. Fresh and full of life, this play is an important historical document that will be a landmark for high schools and students of theatre.

Through its powerful performances and compelling storytelling, You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock reminds us of the power of art to inspire change and challenge societal norms. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity and to create a better world for future generations.

Weight: 500g
ISBN-13: 9781776147205