Sowetan

Emotive journey of abused women

‘Calling Me Home’ drives point home

- By Patience Bambalele

Joburg Theatre, in Braamfonte­in, presents a well-written, goosebump-inducing musical Calling Me Home.

Staged to mark Women’s Month, the production touches on many subjects affecting women including abuse, displaceme­nt, social and political challenges.

Calling Me Home is a powerful love story of hope, courage, longing and compassion that resonates with everybody.

It depicts the journeys of three women who each find their own personal power.

Grace (Lynelle Kenned) is a young African woman who flees her war-torn homeland to survive in a country full of crime and danger at every corner.

With her is her new friend Lindiwe (played by Zolani Mahola), who also has fled her home because of abuse.

Finally, it’s the deeply troubled Isabella (played by Samantha Peo), who finds the strength to conquer her drug addiction.

The musical opens with a touching scene as Grace, her brother Nelson and mother part ways in search of a better and peaceful environmen­t.

The audience follows Grace on her journey that stretches from the splendours of the African continent to a foreign city. She also falls deeply in love with Rafael and most importantl­y, learns the true meaning of home.

The show presents great music, a combinatio­n of classical music, African hybrid, jazz and traditiona­l folksong to create an evocative music repertoire that brings the story to life.

It provides the audience an emotional experience.

Mahola, who is also a member of award-winning Freshlygro­und, shines with her unique voice and storytelli­ng. Kenned tantalises with her beautiful voice.

Calling Me Home is on until Sunday

 ?? / OSCAR O'RYAN ?? Musanete Sakupwanya, Lynelle Kenned and Tankiso Mamabolo in Calling Me Home.
/ OSCAR O'RYAN Musanete Sakupwanya, Lynelle Kenned and Tankiso Mamabolo in Calling Me Home.

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