SUNGHURSH

(Pic by Val Adamson: Aakashna Dekumar, Kymmona Maharajh, Samantha Misra, Sheila Madiya, Varsha Sharma and Kajal Bagwandeen)

Celebrate the historic struggle of the South African Indian in the Playhouse Opera:

Bringing a magnificent splash of colour and a sweep of historic pageantry to The Playhouse Company’s 14th South African Women’s Arts festival, Sunghursh is a spectacular dance drama featuring a cast of more than 40 dancers.

Produced and directed by Smeetha Maharaj, Sunghursh (meaning ‘The Struggle’) celebrates the colourful, complex and layered history of South Africa’s Indian community, with special focus on the activities in and around Durban. It combines narration, dance and music as it takes the audience on a journey from the distant shores of India to Durban Bay.

Sunghurshfeatures a strong cast combining Nateshwar Dance Company members with guest artists from the classical and contemporary Indian traditions, folk dancing, Zulu and contemporary styles in a production directed by Smeetha Maharaj, scripted and designed by Rakesh Maharaj and choreographed by Varsha Sharma.

The dance drama is historically themed and highlights issues of education, faith, gender, culture and language. Starting in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the 1860's, it follows the arrival of the first indentured labourers to Natal on the SS Truro and SS Belvedere and their subsequent shattered dreams, hardships and ultimate success.

Sunghursh enacts the arrival in 1893 of London-trained barrister, Mohandas K Gandhi, who later became famous for his policy of passive resistance. Other key historical events include the passing of the Group Areas Act in 1950; the launch of the ANC’s armed struggle in 1961, the revival of the Natal Indian Congress in the 70’s and the formation of a Tri-Cameral parliament in 1984. It also takes in the country’s first democratic elections in 1994 and the current spirit of reconstruction and development in South Africa.

“We celebrate the resilience and success of Indian women in aspects of South African life,” says Smeetha Maharaj, Nateshwar Dance Company’s Artistic Director. “The struggle and hardships faced by these women and their invaluable role in the freedom struggle in South Africa should not be ignored. We salute the forgotten heroines of the Satyagraha struggle of 1913 as we take note of the challenges and constraints placed on women during the colonial period. These are all integral to this dance drama.”

“The vast array of costumes – many of them imported from India – are the most beautiful I have seen on a stage in KZN. With their stunning colours, flowing fabrics and adornment, they provide a visual feast which alone is worth the visit to the show,” wrote Caroline Smart on Artsmart.

Presented by the Nateshwar Dance Company, in association with The Playhouse Company, Sunghurshruns in the Playhouse Opera from July 23 to August 8 at 20h00 with matinees at 15h00. Tickets from R80 to R100 (R120 at the door).

Schools performances are at 11h00 with tickets R40 per learner. Booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or call Playhouse Box Office 031 369 9540 (office hours).

Sunghurshis especially topical in the context of the 1860 celebrations and media focus currently underway, the by-line for which is “Every South African Indian has a story to tell.”