What to Watch: Prima Facie puts SA’s GBV crisis and the law on trial

The South African production of Prima Facie, a play originally adapted from Australia, opens at the Market Theatre from September 17th to October 5th. The locally adapted version aims to shed light on South Africa's gender-based violence (GBV) crisis and the legal system's failure to protect sexual assault survivors. Director Neil Coppen believes staging the play locally is crucial due to the country's alarming rape and GBV statistics, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond South Africa and is a reflection of a broader systemic problem.

The play's protagonist, Tessa, initially trusts the legal system but gradually learns its limitations and bias against women, particularly White women. The second half of the play cleverly subverts the audience's understanding of Tessa's character, provoking a profound empathetic shift. Prima Facie highlights how patriarchal bias has historically shaped the law to protect men, particularly White men, and undermines women and sexual assault survivors seeking justice.

The South African legal system's handling of sexual assault cases, as evidenced by the play, is largely inadequate, requiring significant revision. The production, while advocating for change, also manages to tell a compelling and engaging story. By immersing audiences in Tessa's journey, the play challenges institutions and prompts deep conversations about GBV, a role that theatre can uniquely fulfill.

The play's relevance to South Africa is underscored by its focus on GBV statistics in the country. The production's adaptation into a local context, inspired by Miller's own life experiences, adds a powerful personal dimension. Audience reactions during recent runs have been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting feeling seen, heard, and inspired to action. Prima Facie stands as a testament to theatre's potential to foster empathy, provoke change, and challenge societal norms.