NIQABI NINJA. Written by Sara Shaarawi , directed by Megan Furniss with Bianca Flanders and Loren Loubser.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Two chairs, painted white. Two women, dressed in black. That’s it.
But suddenly we are on the streets of Cairo. Walking down a road. In the back of a taxi. Buying a first bra. Escaping a violent mob. Such is the tangible quality of playwright Sara Shaarawi’s script and its dynamic execution by actors Bianca Flanders and Loren Loubser that one is irresistibly drawn into a different reality. The theatre recedes, the story steps forward.
But Niqabi Ninja is not always an easy tale to follow. Not because it’s difficult to understand, but for the opposite reason – it is all too familiar. And that’s what makes it hard. Because although this is a narrative set in Egypt, it could as easily be in South Africa. Or anywhere in the world, really. What happens in Cairo doesn’t stay in Cairo. It’s already in Cape Town. And beyond.
We’re talking about sexual harassment. The systemic condition that affects practically every woman from the time she hits puberty (and sometimes before). From whistles and catcalls to gropings and rape, it’s the reality many, many women face daily – and which often leads to feelings of deep insecurity, self-hate and fear.
Arab Spring
Shaarawi has used the backdrop of the Arab Spring in Egypt to trace the journey of a young woman whose life from age 12 aged 22 is traced not by conventional milestones – birthdays, etc – but by the clothes she wore at certain ages, and how she was variously abused in them (she remembers the outfits, because she threw them away each time – ten outfits in ten years). Whether it’s Doc Martens or flats, jerseys or T-shirts, there’s always a lewd comment, a lurid suggestion – and the implicit line that “she asked for it”.
Finally, she is asked by her boyfriend to attend a rally on Tahrir Square to “feel her body amongst so many others becoming a symbol of power” or words to that effect. What she learns about, instead, is the emphatic denial of any sort of power she or any woman may have at the hands of the so-called protestors.
But before you reckon Niqabi Ninja is some sort of a downer experience – don’t! There’s a reason the word Ninja is in the title! Despite the depressing subject matter – depressing because sexual harassment is so ubiquitous, and you can find a**hole men everywhere – this is an inspiring, upbeat and yes, even funny production.
Thought-provoking and satisfying night out
Firstly, because of the message Shaarawi ultimately makes – that women will not take this shit anymore. Secondly, because of the strong, spirited and sensitive performances of both Bianca Flanders and Loren Loubser. Although each occupies a distinctive space – Flanders as a character who perhaps questions more, Loubser as a prominent physical presence – their interactions are smooth, flowing, interlinked. It works. So thirdly, all praise to director Furniss for drawing out the best from both the script and the actors. Her firm but generous hold can be felt in both the moments of action and of quiet. What she has created is a production with huge integrity – and a great theatre piece at the same time.
It makes for a thought-provoking and also satisfying night out.
On top of this – it seems almost too obvious to say that Niqabi Ninja should also be compulsory viewing for young people – girls and boys at school – as well as young adults – such as students. There are lessons to be learnt, and inspiration to be found. I’m definitely going to bring my niece. And my nephew.
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/
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