By: Lance Myburgh

The Rhodes University Theatre came alive on the 20^th of March with a bold and innovative fusion of theatre and lived student experience in a production titled RU Game. Presented by the Rhodes University Drama Department in collaboration with the Division of bet36体育投注_bet36体育在线—激情赢盈中√ and Development, the performance offered a thought-provoking and immersive simulation that mirrored the realities of university life — all through the powerful medium of performance.

The evening opened with an intimate cocktail reception and a warm acknowledgement of the dedication, energy, and creativity of the Drama Department, whose commitment brought the production to life. As part of first-year orientation, RU Game is designed to entertain students and introduce them to the full scope of campus life and its many layers. The production positions theatre as a powerful tool that promotes engagement, empathy, and the opportunity to view the world from different perspectives. It touched on critical themes such as mental health, pregnancy, and sexual identity, encouraging necessary conversations that help first-years understand the diverse experiences of their peers.

From the moment the curtain rose, RU Game captivated the audience through compelling storytelling that tackled both social and academic issues in a relatable and impactful way. The production courageously delved into sensitive yet essential topics, including discrimination, sexual offences on campus, and xenophobia, prompting deep reflection on matters often left unspoken in traditional orientation programs. Beyond these more significant societal concerns, the production also highlighted the everyday struggles of new students.

Scenes portrayed the emotional frustration around residence placement issues, delays in NSFAS funding, outstanding student debt, and the mental strain of academic workloads and mounting deadlines. The script cleverly balanced these challenges with moments of levity and cultural resonance — such as a humorous yet reflective scene on the familiar university trope of finding a lifelong partner during one's time on campus. The show also addressed water scarcity in Makhanda and the cultural adjustments faced by international students navigating life in South Africa. Tying these experiences together was one of the production’s most powerful lines: “Give each player a fair game at university to have a better outcome for them at the end of the game” — a poignant reminder of the need for equity, support, and access in shaping student success.

While the production highlighted some of university life's more complex and emotional realities, it also illuminated moments of hope, growth, and personal triumph. The cast shared heartfelt reflections woven into the performance — stories of friendships blossoming into chosen families, of embracing their queerness and finding space to live authentically as members of the LGBTQI+ community, and of academic success, including moments of pride such as making the Dean’s List. Their narratives revealed that, beyond the challenges, university also becomes a space for self-discovery, independence, and empowerment, mainly through each student's academic and social journey.

A striking feature of RU Game was its conclusion, which shifted into an influential playback theatre segment. In this participatory style, audience members were invited to enter the spotlight and share their stories and emotions. These real-life experiences, shared by senior students and first-years, were then dramatically improvised on stage by the actors, creating a poignant reflection of the audience’s lived realities. Among the stories shared were heartfelt accounts of friendships already forming at Rhodes University, reflections on the emotional moment when parents said their goodbyes, and the overwhelming sense of transition that marks the beginning of university life. One particularly moving account highlighted the irony of residence wardens tasked with warmly welcoming students while simultaneously having to turn others away due to the ongoing residential placement crisis at the start of the academic year. This moment resonated profoundly and drew empathetic reactions from the audience.

RU Game was a highly immersive experience based on vibrant set design, lighting, and music. With its mix of hard-hitting themes, humour, relatability and emotional vulnerability, RU Game succeeded not only as a theatrical production but also as a meaningful tool for orientation and social awareness. It reminded new students that while university life may not always feel like a game, the challenges are real – but so is the support, the growth, and the community they now belong to.