(Back from left Thabani Mahlobo, Mandla Manzi, Thami Zungu, with front from left Mamisa Dlamini & Buhle Ntuli Photo: Val Adamson)Thabani Mahlobo shows his fine talent in new musical by Zeph Nzama. (Review by Caroline Smart)
I have known actor, musician and singer Thabani Mahlobo for many years and am always impressed with the vocal power that is produced from his diminutive size. In Long Journey - The Musical, written and directed by Zeph Nzama which is enjoying a short run in the Playhouse Drama, Mahlobo holds the audiences in his hand with his singing ability, his compelling performance and his sense of comedy.
The storyline follows a group of men who leave their rural homes to look for work in Johannesburg where they end up working on the mines. They are jeered at by city slickers and called “farm boys” as they fall prey to fast-talking informal traders, gaze goggle-eyed at prostitutes and are generally completely un-streetwise.
The musicians - Mthobisi Mthalane; Tumelo Komako, Mbuso Sokhela, Vusi Mkhize, Lucky Lekuka Rachibane and Prince Myeni - are placed at the back of the stage. There is no set as such but screened images give an indication of the transition from home life to mine life.
I would have liked to have seen the KZN homeland in its lush greenery with the Johannesburg city scenes portraying a concrete jungle while the mines and hostels scenes depict the noise, cramped living quarters and claustrophobic atmosphere of the mines. All representing a far cry for these men trying to survive away from their fresh air, green fields, abundant crops and embracing community lifestyle.
As they group together in rare moments of relaxation, they recall the music and dance of home and mix this with isicathamiya which grew out of the mining environment. Thabani Mahlobo shines in this section where he creates an isicathamiya group, teaching its harmonies and eventually appearing in a competition where he skilfully sends up even the most committed isicathamiya leader seen at the Playhouse Company’s annual Isicathamiya competitions.
The music ranges from blues to gospel to traditional. Dance sections include some fine tap and gumboot dance sequences. Notable performances also come from Mandla Manzi and Siyabonga Zuma as well as dancer Mlungisi Zondi.
The cast – many of whom effectively double as females - also includes Mamisa Dlamini, Buhle Ntuli as well as Bongani Mchunu, Sifiso Cele, Thami Zungu and Cyprian Nzama. Choreography is by Buhle Ntuli and Mlungisi Zondi and the gumboot dancers have performed three times in the New Orleans Festival in the United States.
Presented by Gcugcwa Productions, Long Journey - The Musical runs in the Playhouse Drama until April 22 with shows at 15h00 and 19h00. The duration of the show is 135 minutes including interval. Tickets R100. Booking through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com – Caroline Smart
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