KHULULEKANI EMAKHAYA

Seven talented strong young females share some of their most intimate stories. (Review by Lyschelle Linderboom)

Khululekani emakhaya ("be free in your homes") is a interesting piece from the University of the Western Cape on the National Arts Festival’s Student Theatre programme. It features a cast of seven talented strong young females who each share some of their most intimate stories.

Through the medium of storytelling each actress digs deep into her emotions, sharing life’s lessons and experiences. The topic of language barriers, cultural acceptance and xenophobia are the strongest emerging themes though this piece.

The bare stage and open white lighting gives the actresses freedom to utilize the space, as many of the links between each story are those of children's games, movement pieces and light-hearted moments. However, this doesn't mean that one should then travel around the stage while sharing a story. The feet shuffles and side walks from some of the actresses distracted from their beautiful stories.

There was a good balance of stories covering various themes from childhood rape to bread and bitter coffee for Christmas lunch.

Special mention must be made of three actresses who produced stand-out performances: Jolyn Phillips, Neliswa Mahlangabeza and Tapiwa Mazvimavi - keep an eye of these ladies, folks.!

If this sounds right up your alley it's definable worth a trip up the hill to the Monument’s Rehearsal Room to see Khululekani emakhaya. There is one more performance on July 3 at 15h00. – Lyschelle Linderboom