Marikana told in music
The Marikana Story, put together by six writers, Thanduxolo Jika, Felix Dlangamandla, Lucas Ledwaba, Sebabatso Mosamo, Athandwa Saba and Leon Sadiki.
By all accounts it is a powerhouse production, giving a blow by blow account of the events that led to the loss of 44 lives.
“Tomorrow morning, the men will sing again. Their spears, pangas, inculas and sticks will clatter menacingly. They will recite battle cries from their homelands, and move about in organised columns, raising clouds of dust. But 34 of them will sing for the very last time.”
The score was inspired by musicians like Zakes Nkosi, Hugh Masekela and Sello “Chicco” Twala and is based in part on the protest songs sung by the miners who were slain. It also includes new compositions and arrangements. The musical director is Mpho “McKenzie” Matome, a former member of the kwaito group Rhythmic Elements. He was a newcomer to musicals, but his talent meshed well with Sekhabi’s vision.
Choreography was by Thabo Rapoo, the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year 2009 in dance.
When one of the authors approached Sekhabi with the idea of writing a musical, he said the book was a “painful and scary” read, but believed this should be done.
“We wanted to inform and capture the mood of our time because as theatre practitioners we have the responsibility to tell our stories,” Sekhabi said.
“We hope to continue using art to heal, mourn and, most important, to teach tolerance.”
Sekhabi has a number of awards and successes to his name, including Rivonia Trial.
Marikana the Musical goes back to the villages and townships and gives the miners names and faces. One of the key characters is the late Mgcineni “Mambush” Noki, who became the face of the strike and was known as the “man in the green blanket”. He is played by Meshack Mavuso, who was nominated for a Naledi award for his performance.
The 40-strong cast includes Aubrey Poo as the police commander, Mmekwa, Segomotso Modise and Jabulani Mthembu.