An Updated Syllabus for the Woke is a play on South African histories : tracing as far back as possible; that is before the Dutch landed in the Cape in 1652 and all the way up to now - drawing a line between how the histories have been taught and represented and the effect that this has on our understanding of the world, and our South African realities today.
The play does not attempt to recount every detail of South African History - that would be preposterous! Rather, as a critical engagement with history as it is taught, the update refers to an update of the understanding of cause and effect when it comes to those uncomfortable dynamics within our histories, offering these a more direct address. Apartheid is not neutral, colonialism is not neutral. Issues of land are not ancient history.
As all good satires do, this play holds a mirror up to the system but also to ourselves as we seek to recognise where and how we lost consciousness, leaving us questioning… Are we woke?
VENUE : AFDA Red Roof Theatre, AFDA JHB Campus, 41 Frost Avenue, Milpark.
* This event is part of the IYABUYA iPOPArt Festival, which is supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa PESP funding.
