Niqabi Ninja is an avenging Superhero, born on the streets of Cairo, who is ready to seek out and avenge every single act of harassment she has experienced at the hands of men. She has a list, a record of injuries and a variety of punishments to mete out. Watch out men of Cairo. Niqabi Ninja has a score to settle, and she is coming after you.
Set in Cairo during the chaotic time of the Egyptian uprising, Niqabi Ninja is an extraordinarily beautiful play giving two actresses a chance to explore the range and complexity of harassment against women, and one woman’s ability to develop a response.
Written by emerging young Egyptian playwright Sara Shaarawi, and directed by Megan Furniss, Niqabi Ninja is performed by Cape Town’s rising talents Bianca Flanders and Loren Loubser.
The play premiered at The Alexander Bar last year, had a tiny run at the CT Fringe, and will now enjoy a proper two week run at The Theatre Arts Admin Collective, from 8 to 20 May, at 7pm.
Inspirational
The response to this play, and this production, is what has propelled the organisers to do a committed run in Cape Town, hoping to appeal to schools, women’s rights organisations, men and boys, and of course, the public.
Barbara Loots from TheatreScene CT said, “What is truly inspirational about this piece is that, although it does acknowledge the victimisation of women, it does not linger on that which would leave them victims. What Niqabi Ninja rather does is move beyond the victimisation to reveal the inner strength and survival instinct of women, their warrior cry as survivors! It is a must see for everyone: women should take courage from it, and men should learn from it. The dialogue of Niqabi Ninja will linger long after you have left the fringe venue.”
What audience members have said:
Rudy – It takes real guts to walk in the streets of Cairo (and London, Paris, or Cape Town, for that matter) – if you are not a male, that is. Just came back from the premiere of Niqabi Ninja, a gutsy, sincere piece about sexual harassment. It’s brave, powerful, and every shocking word of it is true. Written by Sara Shaarawi, beautifully directed by Megan Furniss with Bianca Flanders and Loren Loubser, both bursting with talent. I’ll make sure my daughter has an opportunity to see it, and her aunts and cousins, school friends and BFFs.
Brett – It was stunning and hardcore and emotional and just absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The actresses were amazing and the direction first class. Being able to do so much simply with lights, the Niqab and two chairs was phenomenal. Standing ovation.
Ryan – Lauren Loubser and Bianca Flanders’ performance in this piece is extremely riveting and so compelling. Throughout the entire performance I was engaged and tuned in – it made me uncomfortable, angry and furious – the story, being told through cloth description and factual events, in front of me has happened, is happening and continues to happen. Real life. Lauren’s brilliant timing combined with Bianca’s powerful voice control, made for an amazing piece of theatre. Both Loubser and Flanders are powerhouse performers. This piece is so relevant and extremely necessary for the world to see!!! Congratulations. An OUTSTANDING piece directed by Megan Furniss and performed with absolute POWER by Lauren Loubser and Bianca Flanders.
Yasmin – Brilliant script, brilliant performance! Such relevance. Should be part of of HR in every organisation.
Phillip – Powerful yet poetic. A beautifully orchestrated symphony of words that packs a punch. Bravo to actors and director!
Brittany – Thought-provoking and intense. A powerful experience seeing so many of your own hidden thoughts and experiences being brought to life in such a way.
Morna – A spectacular show. Brilliant acting, inspired direction and a great script. I wish it was on for longer so I could recommend to friends. Honestly one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen in a long time.
Tammi – Outstanding! Superb performers, a gripping show – it should travel to every university and as many high schools as possible!
N – Absolutely tremendous! Brilliant script, brilliant directing, brilliant acting, brilliant topic! Really, one of the most powerful moments of theatre I’ve witnessed in years.
What: Niqabi Ninja
Where and when: Theatre Arts Admin Collective, Observatory from 8 to 30 May.
Book: TAAC website
Visit: Follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/niqabininja/
WS
