“Our main reason for creating the show was to tell the stories that we felt were missing, everything that has come from that has just been an incredible bonus and validation to us, and I hope to other young, of colour artists, that everything that we’re doing is valid.”
So said Ameera Conrad, curator of successful student and Baxter Theatre production, The Fall, on the conception of the show which had been awarded the prestigious Fringe First award at this year’s Scotsman Awards.
Presented weekly and designed to urge performers to bring new work to Edinburgh, Scotland, in the spirit of adventure and experiment, the Scotsman Fringe First Awards celebrate the best new writing on the Fringe.
In the production, seven UCT drama graduates share their experiences during the #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and subsequent student movements’ demonstrations in 2015 and 2016.
“Winning one of the first Scotsman Fringe First awards for 2017 is absolutely amazing for us. This show is so honest and raw and true to our lives and the lives of so many young people of colour in South Africa, people have connected with it so easily here,” Conrad said.
The Fall was an unprecedented, sold-out success last year.
The production tackles institutionalised racism, patriarchy, colourism, transphobia and class.
The play is facilitated by Clare Stopford, curated by Conrad and Thando Mangcu, two members of the ensemble. The cast is Conrad, Mangcu, Oarabile Ditsele, Zandlie Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Sihle Mnqwazana and Cleo Raatus.
Baxter chief executive and artistic director Lara Foot said the show had caused a sensation at the Baxter Theatre, which is on UCT’s campus.
“What I was not expecting was how relevant this play is to the international community and that it speaks to the effects of colonialism at a global level. We are delighted to share this important work with the audiences in Edinburgh,” Foot said.