EXPELLED, a play

69pp., paperback, Wits University Press, Johannesburg, 2026

ISBN: 9781997461258

A drama-comedy that explores the power of social media, toxic masculinity and entitlement in elite South African schools, and how the desperate drive to protect career, status and business deals can outweigh parental loyalty.

Lou and Rich have staked everything on their son Alex: he has a place at an elite boys’ school, is popular and on the first rugby team. His status seems untouchable - until a reckless moment with the wrong friends is caught on camera and goes viral.

"... a powerful and timely piece of theatre [that] beautifully portrays the tensions between justice, loyalty, reputation and truth. Rooted in a distinctly South African reality, the play is both compelling and unsettling, raising important questions that demand reflection and conversations" Aubrey Seekhabi, artistic director of the South African State Theatre

"Corrosive and compassionate in equal measure, this compelling three-hander ... offers its audiences a blistering indictment of contemporary social mores." Beverley Brommert, Weekend Special

Rosalind Butler is a South African scriptwriter whose television drama Home Affairs was nominated twice for Best TV Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards. Expelled won the 2025 Naledi Theatre Award for Best New Script.