SAMARITAN - A Lamentation and Cry for Solidarty for the people of Gaza
a dramatic playreading
Written by Mike VAN GRAAN | Performed by Katlego CHALE
Samaritan is a poetic monodrama written as a response to the genocide taking place in Gaza. It is a lamentation (‘a passionate and demonstrative outpouring of grief’), a cry of rage and a call for solidarity from those who care about humanity.
The style represents that of the biblical psalmist and the play takes its name from the parable in which a man is robbed, beaten and left for dead. He is ignored by those from within his community - including political and religious leaders - and is eventually cared for by someone who is generally viewed as being ‘other’, outside of his society.
In this case, it is Gaza that is beaten, robbed and left for dead, and is the voice railing against those who pass by on the other side.
Samaritan is also a piece of catharsis that unapologetically rages against the brutes and monsters who have directly participated in, aided and abetted the slaughter and devastation that continue to be perpetrated against the Palestinian people.
While the piece is about Gaza, it serves as a warning to all of humankind about the dangers posed by the ideology and the forces behind the genocide in Gaza including those who because of their theological teachings, their tribal or political loyalties have been silent or ambivalent for fear of alienating those who believe or look like them.
CREATIVE BIO
KATLEGO CHALE - Performer
Dr Katlego Chale is a theatre artist whose practice includes lecturing, writing, acting (stage and screen), and social entrepreneurship. He lectures Topics in World Theatre at the UWC English Department, with an additional focus on poetry, short stories and novels. With a PhD from the University of Pretoria’s Drama Department, Katlego chairs The Writers’ Lab, an NPO that trains and supports South African creatives and especially writers, and also hosts a podcast called A Theatre Maker in Mzansi, which is dedicated to interviews with influential theatre makers. He recently performed on two separate occasions at The Joburg Theatre and The Market Theatre under James Ngcobo’s direction. Katlego will be performing in Maynardville's upcoming production of Macbeth in January 2027.