Evil at Joburg Theatre

EVIL is a window onto the abusive and oppressive world of institutionalised bullying.

The protagonist, Erik, has been hardened by an abusive step-father. He becomes a leader of a teenager gang and a master of petty crime. As the situation deteriorates he is sent, as a last resort to boarding school. Considered an elite establishment, the truth is that it is run by a sadistic older pupil’s council and he soon becomes the target of their relentless bullying while the teachers look away. Erik befriends Pierre, a gentle, withdrawn boy who teaches him the utopia of non-violence. As Erik tries to stand up for himself and his roommate he learns to find his own strength and discovers the importance of friendship, and most importantly, resilience, despite becoming a victim of violence himself.