Cross-cultural comedy
The stage production, which won the audience award for the best production at the Musho Festival in 2010, is being staged in the Playhouse Loft theatre.
The story follows the life of Mthethwa, who was raised in a traditional Indian home where his mother worked as a domestic worker.
“The play is semi-biographical – much of the story is based on my real life but things have been tweaked to make them more theatrical,” he says.
“Among my highlights in the play are my visit to the Isipingo Temple, a proposal, a hilarious attempt at applying for my learner’s licence, and many of my fond childhood memories.”
Having lived with the Chettys since his birth, Mthethwa said he did not know any differently, and adopted the Indian culture as his own.
“I’m in so deep that I can have curry for breakfast! My favourite is vegetable breyani with dhall. On the flip side, I eat my phutu with sugar and butter, like soji. While culture is important and I have had the privilege of being exposed to both, I am
JOLENE MARRIAH AS HERITAGE Day approaches on September 24, Senzo Mthethwa, pictured, hopes to highlight the importance of culture and diversity in his play The Return of the Boolulu Uncle. truly and proudly South African.”
He enjoys classical Indian music and contemporary Bollywood music but also attends the annual reed dance.
Mthethwa is employed in the telecommunication industry but lists comedy as his first love. “I came from a funny family. My brother always said if you want to get girls, you have to be good looking or very funny. So I got into comedy.”
And where does Mthethwa see himself in five years?
“I will give you a clue – six wives, a state-renovated house that rhymes with amandla. Except mine will be in Reservoir Hills. Res-Kandla!” WIN! WIN! WIN! Readers can win double tickets to Friday’s show at 8pm.
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