THE SUIT

By Jarryd Coetsee

Based on the acclaimed short story by banned South African investigative journalist and author Can Themba, THE SUIT is set in 1950s Sophiatown, Johannesburg, against the backdrop of the apartheid regime’s forced removals under the Group Areas Act. THE SUIT tells the story of Philemon who discovers his wife, Matilda, in bed with a lover. The lover flees, leaving behind his suit. Philemon devises a cruel punishment, by forcing Matilda to treat the suit as a guest who must eat with them, go on walks and accompany them to church. The story is a powerful metaphor for the impact of oppression on personal relationships. It also explores how unforgiveness, intolerance and revenge are paradoxically self-destructive.