At a time when we are becoming more dependent on mobile phones and technology, emoticons are used to replace words, the role of artificial intelligence is increasing, and algorithms determine what information is displayed on social media users’ screens, the multi-awarded theater creator Nicola Hanekom’s latest drama text appears , Myrrh and aloe.
It is described as a location-specific drama that tells the touching story of a lost daughter, Jessie, who returns to her parents’ home. Jessie has magical ideas and confrontation in her heart. During her visit, her family discovers things that make their hair stand on end.
With this drama, Nicola holds up a mirror to society on diverse and thorny issues such as religion, rape, incest and abortion.
She investigates questions related to unnuanced communication, and how the patriarchal view of religion changes in a world where technology wins the power struggle and is idolized.
“You cannot look past the fact that we are all starting to communicate with each other more and more generically. When we use emoticons instead of words, there is no nuance in the message,” Nicola tells RNews.
With this, Nicola breaks her silence of the past five years. The previous drama from her pen, In glassappeared at Protea Books in 2018 and the text was awarded, among other things, the Hertzog Prize for drama (2021).
“What we cannot argue about at the moment is that we no longer know what is real. We are caught up in the virtual world of our mobile phones and in what is shown to us through algorithms.
“For many people, it’s an addiction they can’t get rid of,” Nicola elaborates further on the issues involved Myrrh and aloe be investigated.
Unlike her previous dramas – which were first staged and then published – did Myrrh and aloe ‘s published drama text appeared at the same time as the theater production debuted at this year’s Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK).
The production was awarded three Kanna Prizes, for best literary contribution, best director, and best stage presentation. In addition to her work as a dramaturg, Nicola also directed, and played a part in the costuming of Myrrh and aloe had.
“At the presentation event, I sat and looked at the figurines and thought that first of all, it’s great to be nominated alongside other people who make incredible art.
“Winning makes me feel like someone else sees something of value in the creative product I’ve tried to create, and that’s nice for me. It makes me feel better in a way, especially if I’ve been working hard on myself.”
When she holds the drama text in her hand, it is also a wonderful feeling for Nicola.
“Theatre is so fleeting. That is why it is so much more of a wonderful feeling to hold the published version and realize that it is something that really happened.
“I am eternally grateful to the team at Protea Books who made this happen. They have now published a few of my dramas and they are always carried out with so much effort and beautiful covers.”
- Myrrh and aloe cost R200 (price subject to change). Click here to purchase the published play text from Graffiti Books.
