The Hottentot Venus - UNTOLD
This theatrical storytelling performance, follows the story of one of the first indigenous African woman from the Khoisan clan to be taken from her home, Cape Town, South Africa and put on display as a ‘freak’ show, at 225 Piccadilly, London in 1810.
The storytelling is captured within 5 chapters/scenes; told by 5 (fictional) female characters, (performed by Jacqui Du Toit), all of whom have had some form of connection with Sarah (also known as Saartjie), on her life journey and beyond, whether it be spiritual or physical.
Each character gives various perspectives of Saartjies journey (drawn from true facts about her life) seen from their eyes; giving the listeners a multi-dimensional approach to this brave and incredible woman's life.
The story of Sarah is a just one of the many stories of women of colour who were taken from their homes and sold as slaves and exploited for their features, across the European market during the 1800’s as a ‘freak’ of nature.
"The Hottentot Venus – UNTOLD is a show that embraces this perspective without shying away from the horrific nature of the events it relates, and it emerges a stronger, better show for it."
- New Ottawa Critics
"This is a work of incredible storytelling; du Toit’s words and performance dominate the space at Arts Court Theatre and the play delivers a powerful message so necessary in these conflicted times."
- ALT. Magazine
"a mix of storytelling, movement and more." - Patrick Langston, The Citizen
The Hottentot Venus – UNTOLD is a show that embraces this perspective without shying away from the horrific nature of the events it relates, and it emerges a stronger, better show for it.