"In(hair)itance" follows the journey of a young Girl Child navigating an identity crisis, deeply rooted in her relationship with her hair. When a school incident triggers doubts about her identity, she embarks on a quest for understanding, challenging her parents and their conflicting perspectives on identity in her pursuit of acceptance.
The only child of The Mother and The Father, The Girl Child tries to reconcile pieces of her identity that cause her to wonder which societal “box” she fits into. Her afro-textured hair which she feels ashamed of, but can’t articulate why. Her brown skin, which is not the same as her mother's, the complexities of a racial identity she doesn’t understand.
Production Credits
Directed by: Chantal Snyman
Written by: Scout Fynn
Performers: Akhona Junior Mhlungu, Scout Fynn, Khanya Aplegren,
Musical performance by: Sphesihle Mkhize
Projection design: Larissa Mwanyama
Lighting design: Lisa Goldstone
Sound design: Sphesihle Mkhize & Scout Fynn
Poster design: Larissa Mwanyama
About the Artists
Scout Fynn: Playwright & Performer
Scout Fynn is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and cultural practitioner based in Durban, South Africa. She explores intersections between curation, visual media, and performance to create cultural experiences that reflect the social landscape, promote artistic impact, and interrogate the complexities of human experience.
Scout is a graduate of The Market Theatre Laboratory and during her studies, performed in two Naledi Award-winning productions, “No Easter Sunday For Queers” directed by Mwenya Kabwe, and her first-year class production of “Eclipsed” directed by Sylvaine Strike. In 2022 she was selected as a finalist for the Distell National Playwright Competition for her dystopian satire “GLITCH” and her written work has appeared in several festivals such as the National Arts Festival virtual fringe, POPART Joburgs 24 Hours In The City theatre festival. Her most recent work In(hair)itance, is a semi-autobiographical theatre piece that explores the complexities of inherited identities in the South African context, through the lens of black hair, unravelling the nuances and interrogating the intersections of pain and marginalisation that continue to be perpetuated.
Chantal Snyman: Director
Chantal Snyman is an artist, activist, and facilitator who has explored the creative process through theatre-making, directing, playwriting, poetry, puppetry, visual art, and curation. A passionate advocate for children’s rights and agency, her work engages with themes of belonging, identity, ancestry, healing, and ecology
Akhona Junior Mhlungu: Performer
Born in August five, year 2003 Akhona Junior Mhlungu is an actor, writer, director, voice over artist, poet , stage manager and theatre critique, a male dramatist from the streets of Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. Mr Mhlungu completed his Matric in year 2020 and went on to do his Diploma in Drama and Production Studies at the Durban University of Technology from 2022 to 2024 getting best performer in Performance Techniques 1B and 3A, also banging Academic Excellence certificate in his third year. At the age of 21 he has been published in multiple poetry magazines and has played several shows in which I include the Scent of Change by Dr Rowen Munsamy , The Three Little Pigs by Lee Ann Naicker and Abaminza by Dr T Meskin and Dr Tanya Van Der Walt. Mr Mhlungu’s love for Dramatic Arts knows no bounds, it is timeless and endless.
Khanya Apelgren: Performer
Khanya May Apelgren is a Durban-based creative professional working in the performance arts and media to promote social transformation and connection. She is passionate about documenting overlooked histories and grounds her storytelling in a deep understanding of history and identity. She facilitates cultural exchanges in the NPO space and writes and voices audio description for inclusive visual media. Khanya has a multidisciplinary academic background in Politics, African Studies, and Film from the University of Cape Town and studies in Politics and Dance from St. Olaf College. Her theatre and performance experience ranges from improvisation (theatre sports) in Eswatini and Singapore to the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. She has worked as a drama instructor and dance teacher. Khanya’s work is defined by her ability to bridge cultural divides and amplify diverse narratives.
Sphesihle Mkhize: Musical Performer
Sphesihle Mkhize is an ambitious and enthusiastic individual with immense love for the arts and education. He graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor's degree in Music, majoring in: Music Theory and Composition, Music Research, Piano as first practical study, Music production, Studio Recording , Post-production, Mixing and Mastering, and live sound. From early beginnings as a Producer, Session Musician, Event Organiser and Production Manager, to working with some of the biggest names in the industry, Sihle has built a reputation for precision, creativity and a deep understanding of sound. Having worked on a wide range of projects - from high-energy live concerts and film scores, to intricate podcast editing, Audio Editor and Album Mixing, Sihle is known for his ability to adapt to different environments, and collaborate closely with artists and producers to achieve the perfect sound. Whether it’s capturing the subtle nuances of a live performance or crafting the perfect mix in the studio, Sihle brings a professional, innovative touch to every project.
Larissa (Lari) Mwanyama: Projection Designer
Creative designer and illustrator with a passion for storytelling and community-focused art. Lari’s work blends vibrant Afrofuturistic themes with intuitive creation, emphasizing texture, play, and connection. She excels at designing immersive experiences, from children's books to digital art and installations, always prioritizing research, collaboration, and impactful visuals.
Driven by a love for learning and exploration, Lari aims to create work that celebrates ordinary beauty and invites viewers into imaginative, meaningful worlds.
Lisa Goldstone: Lighting Designer
Lisa Goldstone is a freelance theatre backstage professional with expertise in lighting design, stage management, sound operation, and follow-spotting. A UKZN Drama and Performance Honours graduate (2015), she discovered her passion for technical theatre in 2013 and has since worked on productions such as JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival, *Cinderella* (Kickstart Productions), and The Sleeping Beauty (The (Playhouse Company). Beyond theatre, Lisa enjoys gaming, beach walks, music, and following sports like football, hockey, and basketball. She is committed to the artistry of backstage work, bringing precision and passion to every production.
- Venue: Masonic Front
- Location: Freemasons Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 120.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 65 minutes
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Ages:
12+

