Statements After an Arrest Under The Immorality Act – review

Set in South Africa during Apartheid, Statements After An Arrest Under The Immorality Act tells the love story of an interracial couple whose relationship was ripped apart by the law.

Having seen numerous plays set around Apartheid, I wasn’t sure if this play would stand out against so many amazing ones of a similar nature – I was wrong.

Statements by Athol Fugard shows the deep conversations lovers Errol Philander (Shaq Taylor) and Frieda Joubert (Scarlett Brookes) have around their illegal relationship. Although their love appears strong, through their reflections we begin to see that it is slowly crumbling under the weight of class, wealth, race and marital affairs.

Errol, a ‘coloured’ South African is focused on building a better future for his wife and family. As he hunts for books for his studies, he stumbles across a library where he meets a kind librarian named Freida. Intrigued by Errol’s determination to learn, Freida takes a deep interest in him and starts spending time searching for books for him in the hopes that he will come back. As they spend their time pouring over the books together, they develop a friendship that later turns into love.

Having seen numerous plays set around Apartheid, I wasn’t sure if this play would stand out against so many amazing ones of a similar nature – I was wrong.

Knowing that their relationship is illegal, Errol starts sneaking into the library at night to see Freida and avoid the prying eyes of neighbours or other patrons. As their relationship grows, Errol and Freida reflect on how their relationship causes them heartache but for different reasons. Freida desperately wants Errol to love and choose her over his family, whilst Errol wishes he had the freedom to choose who he wants to be with and love, rather than being hindered by race and class. Throughout the play, Freida sometimes appears oblivious to the restraints they face because of race, which results in her having unrealistic expectations on what Errol can give her in this relationship. Whilst Errol, is acutely aware of the divide that exists between them and is very cautious to hide their relationship.

The conversations between the two feel so real as they continue to commit the biggest crime: loving one another. Sadly, the relationship is ripped apart when they are caught in the act. Instantly arrested and interrogated, Detective Sergeant J. Du Preeze (Richard Sutton) makes sure he belittles his two victims into confessing the crime.

Set in the round, designer Niall McKeever has created a very simple black, deep centered hole as a stage. The stage almost felt like it was touching my feet which made me feel as though I was a part of the deep conversations taking place. The hole, just like their future, was dark and hard to climb out of. It was extremely effective and was perfect for the story.

There were no stage props apart from items of clothing and newspapers. This worked well as the performers were so strong at telling the story that anything extra on stage would have been unnecessary and distracting from the actors.

Directed by Diane Page, who did an outstanding job at creating such a believable play. All three actors were fantastic and gave some of the best performances I have seen in a long time.

Statements made me reflect on how important Black Lives Matter is. Throughout history we constantly see injustice towards black people. As a black woman it breaks my heart that Black South Africans were treated so disgustingly by White South Africans. They were judged on the colour of their skin, their class and their wealth. They were imprisoned for existing in their own country. Although Apartheid is over, we are still fighting as black people for equality around the globe. With Black Lives Matter dominating the news in 2020, it’s now more than ever, important for theatres to be putting on plays that focus on our stories. Statements left me asking – why are we always being pushed into deep dark holes?

By focusing on a personal story and using that to showcase some of the experiences faced by people during Apartheid, Statements did a beautiful job of captivating me

What was refreshing about this play was that Errol and Freida’s love had no motive behind it. It was genuine and real. Errol in his cell states that he has ears to hear, a mouth to taste, a nose to smell and a brain to think but yet still he cannot be allowed to love.

Although the final outcomes for both characters are not shown, it’s clear for the audience to see the horrors that many people have had to endure for love.

Statements was beautifully written, performed with outstanding actors and left me deep in thought. It was engaging, honest, shocking and heart-breaking. It was exactly what theatre should be; thought provoking. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with this play, having seen many portrayals of Apartheid. I thought it would be depressing and didn’t have high hopes. However, by focusing on a personal story and using that to showcase some of the experiences faced by people during Apartheid, Statements did a beautiful job of captivating me.

I hope Orange Tree produces more plays that will allow their audience to hear stories from diverse characters.

I would recommend everyone watch this play – You wont regret it!