Rekindled strife of distinction: MOFFIE resurfaces in South Africa
In the heart of Cape Town, the Baxter Flipside Theatre is set to stage the poignant one-person production of MOFFIE, a play that delves deep into the heart of apartheid-era South Africa.
MOFFIE, written by Niall Griffin, aims to create an intimate, stripped-back, and raw performance, focusing on the story of a young gay man conscripted into the South African army during the 1980s, a time when the country was embroiled in the Angolan Border War.
This powerful play offers no neat conclusions but instead bears witness to the experiences of those who survived the apartheid system. It sheds light on a part of South African history often silenced or overlooked—the psychological scars of the so-called Angolan Border War and the persecution faced by gay men in the military.
The play explores how the brutal conscription system enforced toxic masculinity and hatred—against oneself and others—especially targeting those seen as "different," including the LGBTQ+ community. By focusing on themes of love, shame, and survival, MOFFIE invites contemporary audiences to remember and reckon with the lingering impact of this past on many South African men today, whether those who served or inherited its trauma.
David Viviers takes on the role of Nicholas in this compelling new stage production. Charl Johan Lingenfelder's sound design immerses the audience in the sounds of the South African Defense Force (SADF) in the 1980s, a testament to Lingenfelder's personal lived experience during that time.
MOFFIE has just completed a critically acclaimed five-star premiere season in London and is now set to run at The Baxter from the 2nd to 27th September 2025. Tickets range from R150 to R240, and bookings can be made at The Baxter.
Performances are scheduled from Tuesday to Saturday at 19:30, with matinees on Wednesdays at 15:00 and Saturdays at 15:30. This production is presented by the Common Humanity Arts Trust in association with The Baxter Theatre.
MOFFIE is more than just a play—it's a call to remember, a call to reckon, and a call to understand the complexities of South Africa's past and the enduring impact it has on its people today. It's a story about a system designed to teach hatred, particularly towards those who didn't conform. By telling this story, MOFFIE offers a platform for healing, for dialogue, and for change.
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