In this humorous South African theatre production, a former housewife deals with loss, experiences self-growth, explores the modern dating world and finds her new purpose in life. MatieMedia’s Chelsea Burnell spoke to the star and director of So You Want to be a Trophy Wife?, who unpacked the meaning behind the play.
So You Want to be a Trophy Wife? was shown on 11 and 12 October at Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, Stellenbosch. Sue Diepeveen, the writer and performer of the play, describes the production as an intimate portrayal of the moments in her own life. PHOTO: Chelsea Burnell
So You Want to be a Trophy Wife? is a one woman show, written and performed by Sue Diepeveen, directed by Wynne Bredenkamp and produced by Faeron Wheeler.
The play, performed as part of the 2022 Toyota US Woordfees highlights the objectification of women in society, said Diepeveen in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
“There are many issues dealt with in the play but I decided to focus on the pressure on women as they get older to be relevant and seen,” stated Diepeveen. “The currency that we deal in gets less [shiny]. More mobile versions arrive on the market.”
Minimal props, a multitude of characters
The minimalist set aims to centre Marie in the chaotic period of her life that she finds herself in, said Bredenkamp in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
Sue Diepeveen, writer of So You Want to be a Trophy Wife?, started the project in 2016. “[Wynne Bredenkamp] spent a great deal of time working on the script and [I] am actually grateful that Covid gave us the time to do so – she was a fabulous sounding board for me,” stated Diepeveen. PHOTO: Chelsea Burnell
“Visually, I wanted Marie to be framed by the packing boxes and live in a space that feels in a state of flux,” stated Bredenkamp. “In a sense, she is on a life raft surrounded by the detritus of her life.”
The set is a physical representation of how Marie, as a woman, is in transition as she moves into a new phase of her life, added Diepeveen.
Diepveen explained that Marie’s character is based on an English aunt of hers, who developed an Afrikaans accent after marrying into an Afrikaans family.
Less criticism
“Wrinkles, hooded eyes and a double chin,” Marie points out as she critically analyses herself in front of a mirror.
As she pulls herself apart before creating her online dating profile, it becomes apparent how the play speaks to the broader dilemma that many women face as they become older – maintaining the unrealistic beauty standards set by society and grappling with how they define their worth.
It is not the norm to watch a “mature woman on stage, owning the space in a one-woman show”, stated Wynne Bredenkamp, director of So You Want to be a Trophy Wife? “There is an unspoken attitude that female-centric stories are only entertaining for women to watch, and have no relevance to our wider political and universal discourse,” stated Bredenkamp. However, the show breaks this norm due to the “freshness and delight in seeing the world through Marie’s eyes and Sue’s expertise”. PHOTO: Sourced/Jeremeo Le Cordeur
Chicken fillets to increase her breast size, fake eyelashes, spanx and sellotape are old ‘tools’ of Marie’s. She uses these tools to create the illusion of youth in order to make herself more appealing to men.
Although lighthearted, her use of these tools is an exploration into how women are valued, and how their worth is “moulded and channelled in different ways”, according to Bredenkamp.
“The play is both a warning and encouragement to our fellow females, no matter their age,” she stated. The play shows women that there is a way to change every situation, no matter how big or small, she said.
Captured is Sue Diepeveen on stage as ‘Marie’ during the show, So You Want to be a Trophy Wife? Rehearsals for the show started in 2020 before lockdown, according to Sue Diepeveen. “We picked it up earlier this year and it was great to find new nuances,” stated Diepeveen. PHOTO: Chelsea Burnell
Change only comes with a challenge
“My life is as fake as the friends who pretend not to hear the crack in your voice when you say that you are fine,” states Marie in the play.
As Maire decides to be herself, regardless of her age, and starts truly living, the overarching message of the show becomes that of hope for making a new start, explained Bredenkamp.
“Whether personally or politically, we all go through much [and] are let down by others, and it can feel like the end,” said Bredenkamp. “But really, change only comes with a challenge.”
The main message of So You Want to be a Trophy Wife? is one of hope and self-belief, according to Sue Diepeveen, writer and performer of the play. “I would love it if younger women realised that they allow certain things too and if they are self-aware about what they will accept, then the balance of power may not trip them up,” stated Diepeveen. VIDEO: Chelsea Burnell