PRESS: Sue Diepeveen’s MS B.HAVED for three shows only at Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees

Christine Skinner

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Following rapturous reviews in Johannesburg, Sue Diepeveen presents her hilarious, poignant, incisive solo comedy, MS B.HAVED for three shows only at Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.

Photo Supplied.

MS B.HAVED sees beloved teacher Sally Burkett in disgrace! After thirty years of teaching, she finds her reputation in tatters as she is suspended from Littleman Junior Preparatory School for a misdemeanour that could well get her fired. The infamous school drop off zone has become a hotbed of gossip; the guessing game surrounding her scandal is jamming all the parent group apps. Come laugh along with firecracker Sally as she ponders her fate, whilst unpacking what brought her to her current hell of Zoom teaching online! 

Directed by Natasha Sutherland and starring Diepeveen, MS B.HAVED will be performed on 3, 4 and 5 October at Paul Roos Teater.

Comments from the recent run at Theatre on the Square include:

‘Everyone who is a parent or a teacher should see MS. B-HAVED… I loved this honest take on schools today’  Sam Nupen, Sam Says

‘a masterclass in classroom chaos…This is a show that takes an ordinary, unglamorous profession and finds within it a genuinely funny, genuinely moving hour of theatre…Judging by the teachers laughing helplessly a few rows ahead of me, it gets the details right.’ Barry Morisse

‘a brilliant play highlighting the amazing role that teachers play in a child's life.’

Barret Edelstein, Celeb Savant

‘examines, with both humour and pathos, the lot of the modern teacher’ Bruce Dennill, pArticipate

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MS B.HAVED explores the extremes expected from educators, parents and learners in an ever-shifting world and the reaches of ‘cancel culture’ that have become the norm. Whilst Diepeveen’s new play tickles one’s funny bone, it also explores the trepidation, nostalgia  and tenacity that presents itself when inevitable change challenges our identity and worth.  

We meet various new-age parents who add colour to this landscape as Diepeveen explores the nuances of the important relationship between parent and teacher.  The audience is kept guessing as potential disastrous scenarios are brought to life, all of which can lead to suspension of a teacher.  The suspense is heightened by the increasing pressure through social media for the truth to be exposed.  In a ‘woke’ world can Sally navigate her way through to retirement or will the Board axe her?

Director Natahsa Sutherland helped craft the script adding an extra shared layer to the narrative in her added role as Dramaturg.  Teachers and parents have the toughest job in society and the play looks at how the adults in the mix need to stay one step ahead and with things like AI ,this is almost an impossible task.  The irony of course, is that children are taught by everyone and everything and shaping them into well rounded humans is a full time job.

“The play explores the unrealistic expectations that educators and parents face on a daily basis as we delve into the busy lives that are so much a part of current norms,” says Diepeveen.

“I spent a lot of time researching the scenarios, which while laughable, are entirely true. The responses I have received have been incredible, with so many people recognising themselves or people they know in the stories.”

“I can’t wait to introduce this wonderful character of MS B.HAVED to audiences at Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees,” she adds.

MS B.HAVED is written and performed by SueDiepeveen, with Natasha Sutherland as director and story editor. Lighting Design is by Wicus Louw.

MS B.HAVED will be performed at the Paul Roos Teater on:

4 October @ 19h00

5 October @13h30

6 October @ 18h00

Age restriction 12 +

Tickets can be booked online through Quicket.