UMKHONTO KAZULU

Production offers strong message that Zulus should use Heritage Month as a way of going back to their roots. (Review by Siza KaMthembu)

Umkhonto KaZulu, directed by Musa Chiliza had a short season in the Playhouse Loft recently. With a cast of 25, all new in the industry, the story is told through music, dance and few monologues. Umkhonto KaZulu is written and produced by Musa Chiliza.

In his opening speech, Musa Chiliza noted that theatre is still a fairytale in the rural areas, and how difficult it is to find professional actors. Hence they go from door to door trying to find people. Musa mentioned that they are in a process of training actors thanks to the Arts and Culture Department’s Invest in Culture project for funding them with R500, 000.

Umkhonto KaZulu starts with the voice-over of an ancestral spirit warning the current chief of the problems facing the village. The chief then asks the sangoma to come and show him the way. The production also raises the worrying fact that most young people today seem to forget their culture and customs and follow the ways of the western world.

We are then taken through the whole journey of Mhlanga (reed dance), umemulo, and the girl’s 21st and ukukhula komfana (boys stick fight and cow herding). All this is told through the voice of Bongani Mbatha who plays the role of Ngcobo as a story-teller. He starts by telling his children (who are seated in the audience, the actors) about King Shaka, and how rituals were performed. The strong message of this production is that Zulus should use this heritage month as a way of going back to their roots.

Noticeable performances come from Makhasha Zindela, Musa Chiliza and Bongani who all play their roles with dignity, care and pride with prefect diction and articulation. Although the show had an odd ending and lots of ‘preaching” rather than entertainment Umkhonto KaZulu is good to see during this heritage month of September. - Siza KaMthembu