Accepting the past and accepting what is different is always a struggle and that is the reality for the residents of the suburban community of Stillwater. A Good House, written by South African playwright Amy Jephta and directed by Nancy Medina, is characterised by its ability to contrast its humour with the topic gentrification and race. The arise of a shack causes a stir and strings together three couples who live on the road, accompanied by some awkward exchanges.
We are introduced to the beautifully and uniquely designed home of the only Black couple in the suburb, Bonolo and Sihle. Bonolo, played by Mimî M Khayisa, is a self-assured, advantaged black woman who is not afraid to confront any perceived prejudice or the remarks of her more civil husband. Despite her more fortunate upbringing and her valuable wine aerator, she is insistent that the alleged “invisible people” of the shack don’t deserve the racialised and prejudicial opinions held by her neighbours. However, Sihle, played by Sifiso Mazibuko, brought up in an opposing childhood attempts to run from his past and live his middle-class life, yet the arrival of the mystery shack brings memories he aimed to hide.
They decide to invite their neighbours, white couple Chris (Scott Sparrow) and Lynette (Olivia Darnley) for drinks, who express their rising concerns and racialised fear of the inhabitants of shack that appeared in the neighbourhood and has instilled anxiety for the younger couple, Jess and Andrew. All three couples come together to form an association despite the very awkward conversations and try to evict the shack that doesn’t belong in their ideal neighbourhood.
The set design, by designer ULTZ, was incredibly adaptable, each house was arranged to directly reflect the couple’s outward appearance and mask their hidden internal conflict. Whilst Jess (Robyn Rainsford) and Andrew (Kai Luke Brummer) had minimal furnishing after spending their money buying the expensive house, Bonolo and Sihle intricately decorated their house, from the cultural paintings to the vintage cheese knife in attempt to show that they belong. The couple are left to decide whether a good house is based upon the tall walls they have built to hide from their past, or whether a good house is simply four walls and a roof.
Jephta’s comedic play, is truly thought provoking and shows the extent we go to fit in. The concept was creative and interesting, beautifully executed by the actors and director. Ultimately, there is no conflict between ‘us’ vs ‘them’; their actions are not about a shack or what they have, instead it is the inability to accept the differences that create a community.
Need to know: A Good House plays at the Royal Court until 8 Feb and then heads to Bristol Old Vic from 14 Feb to 8 March 2025
Related links
Interview – Amy Jephta
Interview – Nancy Medina
