Bewaji
Theatre lovers will be treated to an amazing stage showpiece this Christmas holidays in another illuminating, life-changing performance about the secretive female anatomy at Theatre Republic, Lekki, Lagos, when Story of My Vagina hits the stage. Written by fearless feminist exponent and writer, Joy Isi Bewaji, the play will be performed by Segun Adefila-led Crown Troupe of Africa in partnership with Happenings.
Temidayo Ahanmisi’s preview offers illumination insight into the performance. She notes the departure point between a boy and a girl and how that departure makes all the difference in a world dominated by patriarchal leanings. It plays up all the negative stereotypes that shape a woman’s life, especially if she succumbs to them. Bewaji’s Story of My Vagina is designed to give back women power over their own vital organ, which has suffered and still suffers abuses to please society’s expectations.
According to her, “’You are now a woman.’ That sentence places a burden on a young girl’s shoulder. It is surprising how a physiological experience is an automatic switch from “girl” to “woman”. It comes with responsibility and shame for many: a cardigan around the waist; baggy clothes to hide the extra flesh.
“If you let a man touch you, you will get pregnant.” That sentence, each word, a jacket of fear, aimed at protecting the girl, pushes many into wrong arms. That sentence, silent on many things but loaded with fear knocked perfectly somewhere between her spine and skull.”
Also to be staged at Theatre Republic this holidays season is B/Rated Productions’ Alice Gerstenberg’s He Said and She Said. It is directed by Bimbo Olorunmola. Delectable Victoria Buseni will play the lead role in He Said and She Said.
