By Thokozani Biyana
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted the 3rd annual GBVF Symposium Day 2 at the Breytenbach Theatre on Thursday, August 6. GBVF Symposium presents research by the Research Niche Area, dissecting different facets that contribute to GBVF and highlighting the focal point of the aftermath.
Faculty of Arts and Design demonstrated visual and verbal performances that ignited and evoked a sense of inclusiveness, ‘Put yourself in the victim’s shoes’. Day 1 and 2 presented Art in Activism, hence Artivism as a tool to combat Gender-based Violence, the focal point being the theatrical performance of Remnants – The work explores what is left behind after violence: memory, silence, fear, resistance, survival and the marks carried by the body.
Prof. Nalini Moodley addressing her piece on Art being a tool to combat GBVF.
Photo By: Andile
Prof Nalini Moodley, TUT, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, highlighted how society can better filter entertainment productions such as The Polygamist and Remnants by equipping itself with knowledge and understanding of GBVF dynamics. She further elaborated that Artivism can bridge the gap between ignorance and curiosity about GBVF through edutainment:
Mr. Siyabonga Ntamo, Senior Public Relations Officer and representative for the Directorate of Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED) at TUT, emphasized that greater education about GBVF will offer relevant scenarios, experiences, and powerful testimonies, raising awareness:
Dr. Nicole Haskins, Choreographer of the production for Remnants, elaborated on the theatrical performance of Remnants, noting that the aftermath of any GBVF act remains the most torturous:
Theatrical performance of Remnants.
Photo By: Andile
