(Clockwise: Julia Wilson, Khanyisile Jwaha, Thabani Mahlobo, Derosha Moodley and Lyschelle Linderboom)Stable Theatre will host a major celebration on December 10 with the world premiere of its production Nkanyezi – The Star. This production was made possible by internationally renowned playwright, producer, director and choreographer Welcome Msomi who won the arts category of this year’s Johnnie Walker Celebrating Strides Awards. In a move to honour his Durban roots, he identified Stable Theatre as the recipient of the cash prize attached to the award.
In requesting that the creators of the original Stable Theatre motivation see this vision through to a production incorporating his vision of a multi-cultural unity, Msomi also asked that the show be dedicated to Kessie Govender, founder of Stable Theatre and a colleague from his early days as an actor in Durban.
Nkanyezi – The Star is presented by Thuli Dumakude as director and Caroline Smart as scriptwriter (authors of the original motivation) and Faca Kulu as musical director. All three are award-winners in their own right. The cast includes newcomers to the professional theatre scene: Khanyisile Jwaha, Lyschelle Linderboom, Derosha Moodley and Julia Wilson with Thabani Mahlobo and Faca Kulu providing the music interludes.
This is an amusing and heart-warming play offering entertaining fare for the festive season. Four friends from different ethnic backgrounds meet on the night before Christmas Eve to celebrate their successful first year as a co-operative in the fashion business. There's Joan (Julia Wilson), a forthright but emotionally insecure young woman eagerly awaiting the arrival of her mother from overseas who is going to spend Christmas with her. In a downstairs flat, there's the calm and spiritual Gloria (Lyschelle Linderboom) who is the "mothering" figure of them all.
Just arrived back from a successful trip to the US is Nomathemba (Khanyisile Jwaha) whose energetic personality is a major contributor to the efficiency of their business. However, there is a sadness in her life that is difficult for her to overcome. Making up the foursome is bouncy and effervescent Tharusha (Derosha Moodley) who’s just back from India on a trip to drum up new business ... and she's got some surprises up her sleeve.
Then there's an old man outside playing a guitar … who is he and does he want something from them?
Nkanyezi – The Star incorporates the philosophy of the Johnnie Walker Celebrating Strides Award in terms of "strides ahead, "keep walking" and "dream big" while embracing Welcome Msomi's vision of encouraging new talent in a cultural and diverse South African community who share beliefs and values in the true spirit of Ubuntu.
Nkanyezi – The Star will run at Stable Theatre from December 10 to 19 with performances Monday to Saturday evenings at 18h30 (Sunday at 16h00) with Saturday matinees at 14h30. Tickets R30 (R20 students and pensioners).
Bookings from Stable Theatre on 031 309 2513 or email: stabletheatre@telkomsa.net For more information visit www.stabletheatre.co.za
Posts
