You Strike the Woman You Strike the Rock

[both versions are found, the first title apparently used initially, as does the published version – but the 2006 production uses the second title] by Phyllis Klotz, Thobeka Maqutyama, Nomvula Qosha and Poppy Tsira (calling themselves Vusisiswe Players). [In Itumeleng Wa-Lehure’s CV he claims he wrote it, and he does seem to be credited as part of the ensamble.] (This is the English title for Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo– more properly translated as “You strike the women, you strike a/the rock”, but published and normally referred to as “woman” ) A workshopped play, utilizing the title of the signature song of the 1956 women’s march as its title and theme, and dealing with the trials and tribulations of three women in Crossroads squatter camp outside Cape Town. Facilitated and directed by Klotz, with Macutyana, Qosha and Tsira, it was first produced by the Communty Arts Project in Cape Town in 1986, then toured the country for a long time. Also performed internationally, for example in New York in 1988, ** In 2005 produced with a UK cast in Birmingham and London. and bIn 2006 it was revived with a new cast in celebration of the 1956 Women’s March, from which the original title derives. Done by Connie Chiume, Poppy Tsira and Busi Zolufa at the Market Theatre, the Arena State Theatre and the Baxter's Sanlam Studio, directed by Phyllis Klotz. First published in Kani (ed): More Market Plays by Ad Donker, 1996.

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