DOUBLE FEATURE THIS ZABALAZA SEASON
THIS year’s Best of Zabalaza season at the Baxter Theatre will feature two dynamically diverse productions selected from the annual theatre festival, which took place earlier this year.
Die 9de Maand will be staged from May 28 to June 1 at 8.15pm and Ukuwa
Kwe Nkaba from June 4 to 8 at 7.30pm. This is the first time that two productions have been featured this way at the festival.
“These productions, in very different ways, present something special and powerful. The staging, the narratives and the performances in each one, are commanding,” said Zabalaza Theatre Festival curator Mdu Kweyama. “This made it difficult for the panel of judges, who decided that they were both deserving.”
Betrayal is the overarching theme in Die 9de Maand, which means “the 9th Month”, is performed in Afrikaans with an age restriction of 16. In the play, four young men share a dark and painful secret.
Written and directed by Tyron Zoutman from Lekker Jy Productions, the four-hander stars Earl Kruger, Zinedine Manus, Jay-d Sanderson and Yanick Sweers.
Ukuwa Kwe Nkaba, loosely translated, means “the cutting of the umbilical cord”. It was written by Mthombisi Mpandle, who directs an ensemble cast of seven performers, comprising Wendy Mrali, Siyabonga Jim, Yolanda Ntayama, Molupi Lepeli, Zanokhanyo Saliman, Kagiso Ndima and Nomakrestu Xakathugaga.
The plight of women who are forced to raise their children alone is tackled through music, movement and drama.
Ukuwa Kwe Nkaba is performed in isiXhosa with some English and there is an age restriction of 13.
Ticket prices are R100 and R60 for scholars, students and for block-bookings of 10 or more. Booking is through Webtickets on 086 111 0005, online at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores.
For discounted school or group block bookings, fundraisers or charities, contact Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or email sharon.ward@ uct.ac.za; Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email her at carmen.kearns@ uct.ac.za. |