Lenny’s legacy lives on

WIN tickets to the opening night of Lenny, a new play commemorating the life of former political activist Lenny Naidu.

Opening night is at the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban on July 21.

The production, set to run for 10 days, is written and narrated by Jayshree Parasuramen and directed by Themi Venturas.

Local actor Rahul Brijnath plays the role of Lenny, an activist who gave his life to the struggle for the freedom of the people of South Africa.

Said Venturas: “While Lenny is a story based on the history of ANC stalwart Lenny Naidu, who was killed during the latter years of apartheid by the Third Force based at Vlakplaas, the story is also universal.

“It is about families who are torn apart by history unfolding, and those left behind. It is about chance, but most of all it is about one human’s propensity for brutality on another – the sort of brutality that was inflicted by the apartheid era, or the Holocaust, or the Russian pogroms, or the killing fields of Cambodia.”

Said Parasuramen: “Lenny is a celebration of our freedom. It is a story to remind us of the journey of our unsung heroes, who despite many challenges were determined to bring about change, whose struggle should never be extinguished from our minds.

“It is a play that will further strengthen relations with people across the race barriers, bringing about unity. It is set to capture the hearts of all South Africans as Lenny fought for the oppressed despite their colour.

“To promote the arts and keep the legacy of heroes alive takes courage, determination and hard work. I have worked on this project for more than two years, and plans are already in progress for a national tour.”

Bookings: Playhouse and Computicket. Tickets for the school performances are R30.