A dynamic actress and an integral part of the Bambelela Arts Ensemble, Nomvelo Bhehane is at the forefront of using theatre as a powerful medium to advance feminist narratives.
Through her compelling performances and unwavering commitment to gender equality, Bhehane is breaking the fourth wall and is challenging audiences to confront and dismantle patriarchal norms.
Bhehane's journey with the Bambelela Arts Ensemble has been marked by a series of transformative roles that highlight the struggles and triumphs of women.
The ensemble's productions often delve into the intricacies of women's lives, exploring themes of empowerment, resistance, and liberation.
"The stage is not just a platform for entertainment," Bhehane explains to The Standard, "it's a space where we can question societal structures and advocate for change."
One of the ways Bhehane and the Bambelela Arts Ensemble push feminist narratives is by challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Their performances often feature strong, multi-dimensional female characters who defy societal expectations.
Such portrayal provides audiences with new perspectives on women's capabilities and rights.
"We aim to present women as they are; complex, resilient, and powerful.
"By doing so, we inspire our audience to rethink their perceptions of gender."
Throughout her acting career, Bhehane has taken on roles that depict the vulnerable girl child, shedding light on their struggles and resilience.
In more recent productions, Bhehane has tackled the sensitive and critical issues of teen pregnancy and early abortion. In one poignant play, she portrayed a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and faces immense societal and familial pressure to terminate the pregnancy.
"This role was incredibly emotional for me," Bhehane says. "It shed light on the difficult choices and the lack of support that many young girls face."
"Through this character, we wanted to spark a conversation about the need for comprehensive sexual education and support systems for young women."
The play explored the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by the character, emphasising the importance of understanding and compassion in dealing with such situations.
In the play ‘naked truth’ Bhehane's portrayal was both powerful and empathetic, capturing the raw emotions of a girl caught in a difficult predicament.
"I wanted to show the audience the inner conflict and the societal pressures that drive these young girls to make such tough decisions," she explains. "It's a call for empathy and better support mechanisms."
Bhehane's work extends beyond personal narratives to address broader societal issues, such as the need for accessible sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) for women, and young women too.
In her performances, Bhehane often brings to light the barriers that women face in accessing these essential SRHS services.
"Through theatre, we can illustrate the dire consequences of inadequate access to reproductive health care," Bhehane states. "It's about showing the human impact behind the statistics."
One of her notable roles involved a character struggling with the lack of access to contraception and proper sexual health education, leading to unintended pregnancy and subsequent health complications.
This performance underscored the urgent need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for young girls that are already sexually active.
"We wanted to highlight how a lack of resources and information can drastically alter the course of a young woman's life," Bhehane says.
"It's a call to action for policymakers and communities to ensure that these services are available and accessible to all."
In "Without a State," Bhehane plays a pivotal role that underscores the gender-specific impacts of migration.
The play portrays the harrowing journey of women who are forced to flee their homeland due to political and economic instability, highlighting their struggles in seeking asylum and the unique challenges they encounter along the way.
Bhehane's character is a composite of many real-life stories, embodying the emotional and psychological toll that such upheaval can impose on women.
One of the key aspects of Bhehane's performance is her ability to convey the heightened vulnerability and exploitation that women migrants often face. In several poignant scenes, her character encounters exploitation and violence, both during her journey and upon arrival in a supposed safe haven.
These portrayals bring to the forefront issues such as human trafficking, sexual violence, and the exploitation of undocumented women, which are critical yet often overlooked aspects of migration narratives.
Bhehane's portrayal delves deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by women in migration contexts.
Her character's journey is fraught with fear, uncertainty, and trauma, which she conveys with profound empathy and authenticity.
"Playing this role required me to tap into a well of emotions," Bhehane reflects. "I wanted to bring to life the silent struggles that many women endure, often with little support or recognition."
Through her performance, Bhehane emphasises the intersectionality of gender and migration, showing how societal upheaval disproportionately affects women.
The play illustrates how women, especially those with children, face additional burdens and responsibilities that complicate their migratory experience.
"Women migrants are not just fleeing; they are also caretakers, survivors, and often the primary support for their families.
"Their stories are multifaceted and deserve a nuanced portrayal."
A hallmark of Bhehane's approach is her ability to engage directly with the audience, breaking the conventional barrier between performers and spectators.
This technique, known as breaking the fourth wall, creates an immersive and participatory experience.
"When we address the audience directly, we invite them to be part of the conversation," Bhehane notes.
"It's a call to action, urging them to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors."
Theatre under Bhehane's influence also serves as a safe space for dialogue and reflection.
After performances, the Bambelela Arts Ensemble often holds discussions with the audience, fostering an environment where people can share their thoughts and experiences.
These conversations are crucial for building a collective understanding of feminist issues and exploring potential solutions.
"It's not enough to perform; we need to engage with our community," Bhehane asserts. "These discussions are where real change begins."
The impact of Bhehane's work extends beyond the theatre. Her performances have inspired many young women to pursue their own paths in the arts and activism.
She has become a role model, demonstrating the power of theatre to effect social change.
"Seeing Nomvelo on stage, commanding attention and challenging norms, is incredibly empowering," says a young fan to The Standard. "She shows us that our voices matter and that we can make a difference."
Bhehane's work with the Bambelela Arts Ensemble exemplifies the transformative potential of theatre as a catalyst for feminist change.
By breaking the fourth wall, challenging stereotypes, and engaging in meaningful dialogue, Bhehane and her ensemble are not only entertaining but also educating and inspiring their audiences.
Their efforts highlight the vital role that arts and culture play in the ongoing fight for gender equality, proving that theatre can be a powerful tool for social justice.
- Raymond Millagre Langa is musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. millagrepapito@gmail.com or indebotrust@gmail.com