NDLOVUKAZI!

(Pic by Val Adamson: Sindiswa Nxele & Busi Deyi of Cato Manor Vibe!! appear in Musa Hlatshwayo's “Ndlovukazi”)

Mhayise Productions in partnership with the Stable Theatre is to present Ndlovukazi!, a multidisciplinary site-specific theatre work that creatively celebrates the women of the Queendom of Azania. Devised and directed by Musa Hlatshwayo, Ndlovukazi! is a collaborative feast of poetry, live music, dance, physical theatre, image theatre, video and photography accompanied by a taste of African traditional snacks all creatively woven through a participatory Afro-centric experience.

Ndlovukazi features a cast over 35 performers made up of poets, izimbongi, dancers, percussionists, musicians and other performing artists of note. These artists were short-listed through a process involving a number of workshops which were hosted by Mhayise Productions at the Stable Theatre in July. The workshops were facilitated by pioneers like Faca Kulu in stage performance technique; the legendary Gcina Mhlophe in poetry/story telling writing and performance technique; Musa Hlatshwayo in dance and choreography and performance production, and Mthandazo Mofokeng in stage management. The laboratory-orientated process aimed at offering the participants an opportunity to engage in a creative process where they could enhance their talents under the tutelage of these facilitators.

Ndlovukazi premiers at the Stable Theatre on August 12 as the main event for the Stable Theatre’s women’s month artistic calendar. Performances will commence at the Warwick Junction’s bus rank in front of the Early Morning Market at 18h30 before manoeuvring to the Stable Theatre on 115 Johannes Nkosi Road where the performance will continue in and around the entire complex from 19h00.

The show is designed to be an Afro-centric participatory journey in and around Stable Theatre which will be designed to render a stylised village resembling the Queendom with sections accommodating drumming and dancing around the fire with traditional snacks including mealies roasting under boiling pots, video projections of the women of the struggle accompanied by the ever so graceful moves of the women of Ibandla lamaNazaretha. Other highlights include Hlatshwayo’s signature Afro-contemporary choreography and colourful costumes blending with Gcina Mhlophe’s inspirational poetry. The show lasts for about 80 minutes including the Warwick Avenue segment.

Ndlovukazi runs at Stable Theatre from August 12 to 15. The last performance is scheduled for 18h00 (half an hour earlier than normal) at Warwick Avenue and seeks to crossfade into the performance at the Stable Theatre at 18h30. Bookings and enquiries through Bonang Shuping at 031 309 2513 or via email at stabletheatre@telkomsa.net during office hours. Tickets R35 (R25 students and pensioners) at the door. Special discounts for block bookings of more that 10. Seating is very limited and prior booking is strongly advised.

(Mhayise Productions thanks and acknowledges Stable Theatre for the co-production partnership of “Ndlovukazi!”)