| What:ย this braโs a pyscho Writer/director:ย Zubayr Charles Performers:ย James Stoffberg and Anzio September Where:ย Artscape Arena Theatre Location:ย ย Location on Google Maps When:ย Tuesday, July 29, 2025 โ Saturday, August 2, 2025 (6 Performances) Age restriction:ย No U/16. Language and violence Duration:ย 70 minutes (no interval) Tickets:ย ย R150 Bookings:ย Webtickets Direct booking link:ย https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1571252182 ย ย |
Finding โthe balance between the comedy and tragedyโ in this braโs a pyscho, by Zubayr Charles has been critical in bringing the โtwisted thrillerโ to the stage, reflects ย James Stoffberg who plays The Bra in this braโs a pyscho, which will be on in Cape Town in the Artscape Arena, July 29 to August 2, 2025. It is an intensely complex play. The Bra is victim and a perpetrator, so trauma reverberates on many levels in the story. Zubayr Charles is directing the two hander, which also stars Anzio September. Stoffberg gives insights into his character and treating the story “with care and respect” that it requires. He says: “It [also] helps that we’re three queer, coloured men, so we picked up on the subject matter and language fairly easily, having an understanding of the material at a very relatable level:
TheCapeRobyn: Can you talk about your character, The Bra In the โtwistedโ narrative of this braโs a pyscho? There was a great deal of physical theatre in two plays that I have seen you in โ Not Falling and How to Hold The World. The Bra is a rape victim, and victim of sexual assault and then goes on dating apps, to hook up with men and find connection โ love, support. But then he becomes unhinged and goes on a killing spree and he is being stalked by an undercover policeman. Can you talk about how you are physically and emotionally manifesting this unhinged and broken character?
James Stoffberg: When it comes to taking on any character, I’ve been taught that, as the actor, you should not judge the character you’re attempting to portray. You need to be able to see that their actions and reactions, particularly in this play, are a trauma response to what they’ve gone through. That being said, I do not condone all of what my character does in the play. I do, however, need to see the situation from that character’s perspective.
This play and character, with regard to physicality, is very different to Not Falling and How To Hold The World. Both of those performances, respectively, required more of a dance, animated, and larger-than-life approach. The physicality of The Bra is more subtle. In the beginning of the play he’s found in the foetal position, conveying the emotional distress and vulnerability this character feels after his assault, yet he still has a particularly confident attitude with how he presents himself to the audience.
TCR: In terms of process, in taking this new play from page to stage (although there was a staged reading), did you bring your own input in shaping The Bra? Have you drawn from people you know of or have read about in your portrayal of The Bra?
JS: Zubayr and I have had a couple chats on how to portray this character. I see his vision of The Bra as the skeleton and I’m adding all the fleshy bits to build him up. Drawing on your own experiences, be they past or present, definitely helps in shaping the character. Although, it can be hard having to take yourself back to those memories. Even gaining access to them can be challenging with how we unknowingly compartmentalise certain traumas. I’ve also been able to, respectfully, draw on the experiences of family members, friends and people outside of my immediate circles who’ve experienced similar situations as The Bra.
TCR: Have you worked with Zubayr and Anzio in the past? Can you talk about the process of working on this raw and intimate material as a trio?
JS: I was initially approached by Zubayr for the original concept of, Please, don’t call me moffie โ the version with all five characters on stage โ which Anzio was also originally cast in. That was where our journey together started. For this show, both of us initially worked one-on-one with Zubayr, until we eventually came together for the staged reading in 2024. I always felt comfortable and confident working with both Anzio and Zubayr with what we were presenting, especially because this story isn’t one that’s told often. The passion we each have for this production is what got us excited to show audiences. We’re all professionals, knowing how to treat the subject matter and one another with care and respect. It also helps that we’re three queer, coloured men, so we picked up on the subject matter and language fairly easily, having an understanding of the material at a very relatable level.
TCR: Your insights into working with Zubayr as director/writer and his vision for The Bra and how that intersects with what you have brought into the rehearsal room?
JS: As previously stated, it feels like Zubayr’s vision is the skeleton or foundation for the character and his story arc. We, as the actors, have the responsibility to add the meat, flavour, and nuance so that the audience can enjoy this meal of a character. We also had to focus on the balance between the comedy and tragedy when it came to the language of the play. Zubayr has been a fantastic writer and director to work with because he genuinely wants our input on the direction of the play, welcoming new offers to ensure we give a performance we can all be proud of.
โณ James Stoffberg who plays The Bra in this braโs a pyscho , written and directed by Zubayr Charles. The play is premiering in Cape Town, at the Artscape Arena Theatre, July 29 to August 2, 2025.
