(Stella Dlangalala and Zenzelisphesihle "Sparky" Xulu. Photo by Paul Greenway)Award-winning Eastern Cape theatre company UBOM! heralds some exciting new changes as it rolls out plans for the year and beyond. Forming part of the energy of this dynamic young company are KZN dancers Stella Dlangalala and Zenzelisphesihle "Sparky" Xulu. Both born and bred in KZN they are also both UKZN drama graduates.
Stella Dlangalala (Performer/Facilitator) studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama, Media and Marketing. She has performed in productions such as UKZN's Metamorphosis, which premiered at the National Arts Festival Student Theatre programme in 2011, as well as dancing and choreographing for the 2011 Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival.
Zenzelisphesihle "Sparky" Xulu (Performer/Faciliator) attained his Bachelor of Drama and Performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2010, he performed at the Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival and was selected to choreograph for the 2011 festival. As a trained actor, dancer and workshop facilitator, his vibrant energy is highly evident in the work that he creates.
The dynamic young Ubom! organisation, which this year celebrates its tenth birthday, pulses into life with new faces, fresh energy, and an exciting line-up of theatre work for all ages as well as a strengthening of the vital outreach work it does in the Grahamstown Eastern Cape communities.
The creative team enjoys new artistic leadership under the guidance of resident director Rob Murray, who returns to the Eastern Cape from Cape Town where he was a co-founder and then Artistic Director of FTH:K (from the Hip: Khulumakahle) for seven years. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in visual theatre, Murray has created impressive creations such as the smash hit Pictures of You, Benchmarks and Womb Tide.
Over the years, Ubom! has scooped many prestigious awards. A hot favourite on the festivals scene, they have toured all over South Africa, presenting work from social interventions, to environmental awareness, as well as their lauded collaborations with artists like Andrew Buckland, Jori Snell and companies such as First Physical Theatre Company.
“Ubom!’s heartbeat resonates within the Rhodes University Drama Department,” says artistic director Janet Buckland, “And the interchange of ideas and expertise creates a dynamic and explosive environment for the creation of original and stimulating South African theatre.”
More information from Sifiso Sikhakhane (also a former Durbanite) on s.sikhakhane@ru.ac.za or 046 603 8966 or visit www.ubom.co.za Join Ubom! on Facebook or follow them on Twitter with the handle @ubomtheatre
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