this bra’s a psycho : the queer thriller breaking all the rules

-Ashley Allard

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In Queer literature, there is usually quite a stark dichotomy: Queer stories are either violent and tragic or fluffy and unproblematic. Rarely do Queer stories escape the genre to which it is bound. Zubayr Charles’ this bra’s a psycho is, therefore, one of those rare Queer stories that also slips into multiple different genres: thriller, horror, dark comedy… It is the first of many, and a definite must-see.

James Stoffberg as The Bra

this bra’s a psycho centres itself around The Bra (played by James Stoffberg), who struggles with intimacy after being drugged and raped. Taking to Grindr to find love or pleasure, he accidentally murders one of his dates, and finds out he… enjoys it. In the wake of his new trauma, he embarks on a killing spree. But a figure lurks in his shadow.

Zubayr Charles’ newest play is a two-man show, and it has a familiar face. Anzio September returns to Charles’ stage after Please, don't call me moffie, and plays every other character on the call list. It is easy to see why September is a favourite: With an incredible deft skill to slip from one character into another, he is a shining talent in the South African theatre scene.

Anzio September (left) and James Stoffberg (right)

James Stoffberg, who some of you might recognise from his Baked Shakespeare appearances, assumes a more serious, harrowing character of The Bra. Stoffberg easily dips into deep, intense emotion, slowly growing from an awkward, haunted and broken man to a confident, terrifying serial killer. Both of these actors prowl the stage with purpose, clearly in their element.

Often, if you are a marginalised creative, it is seen as your duty not only to write about that marginalisation (and that marginalisation alone), but also to create overwhelmingly positive narratives about said marginalised, because you are The Only Voice who can. However, this is incredibly limiting. This is especially common within Queer narratives.

Queer villainy is not a topic often placed in the limelight. Queer stories usually revolve around tragedy or an attempt at Queer joy. Which is disparaging and restrictive, and denies Queerness to penetrate other and more popular genres, like thriller or crime.

Zubayr Charles breaks out of this. And incredibly well. Not only does he take the popular crime/thriller genre and sets it within a South African context, but also a Queer one. Charles utilises this genre to spotlight the toxicity and danger of modern-day Queer hook-up culture, all the while threading South African slang and humour throughout, localising the story perfectly. And this is what empowerment looks like.

“We think there are many Queer stories, but there are still so few. There are many others who still have to tell their story.” – Zubayr Charles.

One of the most visually striking elements of this bra’s a psycho occurs during the murder scenes. A deft directorial choice, Charles feared that a full-on knife-in-chest-bloody-explosion type would come across as campy, unserious. Instead, Charles depicts the murders by utilising (and destroying) props. With incredible lighting and masterful acting, it instead becomes a work of art.

On August 2, 2025, this bra’s a psycho completed its first run, and it was an overwhelming success. Make sure to keep an eye out for its upcoming return to the stage. It is history in the making.

Anzio September (left), Zubayr Charles (centre) and James Stoffberg (right)

 all photographs taken by Jeremeo Le Cordeur.