WHILST WE WERE DREAMING

Bhekani Biyela

Bhekani Biyela’s Whilst We Were Dreaming appears on Stable Theatre’s Phambili 2011 Festival on March 19 at 20h00.

Written and directed by Bhekani Biyela; Whilst We Were Dreaming is an unashamedly South African story. A powerful and gripping two-hander, it is set in the 1950’s in a men’s mining hostel. The musical drama told through the backdrop of apartheid softly divulges its characters’ perilous journey to a dream.

Dolly Ndlovu flees her rural village in Natal, running away from an organised wedding to pursue her dream of being a jazz singer; and jazz composer Benson Mhlongo who is also a high school English and History teacher. They meet after Benson hears a woman singing from inside the hostel room that is permanently closed. Dolly, has survived in Johannesburg by squatting in this men’s mine hostel, sharing a single room with her ‘boyfriend’ Richard and seven other men. For the past three years, she has been subjected to physical abuse and sexual exploitation.

Benson finally creeps in on her and their encounter is characterised by love, fear and a quest for faith. The dream proves to be greater than what Richard may do when he finds out about it.

The music in the play is jazz in its essence, a musical storytelling inspired by swing and traditional Zulu music. Through her journey to achieve her dream, Dolly regains her voice and the self-worth.

Tickets R20 at the door or call Stable Theatre on 031 309 2513 or email: stabletheatre@telkomsa.net