Poppie Plaatjies returns to theatre

Poppie Plaatjies is back on the boards as Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja’s ‘My Koek is Moeg’ heads to the Theatre School this weekend.

First staged in 2012 starring Helouis Goraseb followed by Brumelda English’s critically acclaimed turn at the national theatre in 2014, ‘My Koek is Moeg’ tells the story of a seemingly effervescent young woman whose glossy façade masks a life defined by toxic relationships, various forms of abuse and a deep loneliness.

A rare local theatre production boasting multiple local and international runs, the celebrated one-hander has been performed numerously in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The iteration at the Theatre School this weekend stars Abby Molz as Poppie, directed by Obett Motaung. The duo will also be staging the piece in Gqeberha, South Africa.

“It is an honour,” says Mushaandja. “When I wrote ‘My Koek is Moeg’, I did not imagine it would be continuously staged.”

Written by Mushaandja during a time when so-called ‘passion killings’ were on the rise and the playwright was concurrently being introduced to feminism, ‘My Koek is Moeg’ holds a mirror to the country’s profound issues of sexual and gender-based violence.

“I also watched the late Shaleen Surtie-Richards’ ‘Shirley Valentine’, which inspired me to write this text,” says Mushaandja, who is producing the play through the Owela Live Arts Trust.

“The story is incredibly funny and heartbreaking at the same time. People relate to its simplicity and ‘realness’. Everyone knows a ‘Poppy Plaatjies’ in their community. We are restaging it, because its Women’s Month and it continues to be relevant.”

English, who starred as Poppie 10 years ago, agrees with Mushaandja on the production’s continued relevance.

“It portrays the struggles women faced and still face today. Being objectified, the physical and emotional abuse perpetrated against us, all in the name of ‘love’. A lot of women still feel they can only belong and be worthy, if ‘loved’ by a man, even if toxic and riddled with abuse,” says English.

“It’s a sad reality a lot of women still have to deal with. I think some people saw or may see themselves, their friends and even family members in the character and in the storyline. The message portrayed can serve as a warning and eye-opener to women today.”

If her work schedule allows, English would love to see Poppie from the side of the audience as the character enabled her to find her own strength and self-love.

“I knew and loved that the character touched a nerve when the audience became vocal and active during the performance,” says English.

“She made people think about what it is to be loved and allowed me to be a voice to so many women who go through these issues. I hope it shows women they can walk away when respect is not served.”

As ‘My Koek is Moeg’ prepares for its local revival, Mushaandja emphasises it is an independent, self-funded production that is responsive to the current decline in local theatre.

“Considering how theatre has been dying a slow death since the pandemic, the play will remind us of the power of the craft,” says Mushaandja. “And equally the urgency of addressing violence against women and children.”

‘My Koek is Moeg’ will be staged at the Theatre School (63 Robert Mugabe Avenue) on 23 and 24 August at 20h00.

The show is suitable for audiences above 16 years old. Tickets are N$100 and available at the door.

– martha@nambian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com