(Back: Bongumusa Shabalala; Xolani Henema; Thandeka Mdlalose; Ntando Mncube and Simon Gwala. Standing: Stella Zuma, Zanele Zulu and Nobuhle Maphanga. Seated: Musawenkosi Shabalala, Xolani Dlongolo, Siphindile Myeni and Dennis Mbhele with Zandile Ngobese kneeling in front.)Eager Artists bring their well-known energy and commitment to the stage of the newly-furbished Stable Theatre. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Representing the first major production to perform for public and schools in the newly-furbished Stable Theatre, Albert Luthuli - Let My People Go sees Eager Artists bringing their well-known energy and commitment to this venue after a successful run at the Windybrow Theatre in Johannesburg.
The musical is based on a book written by Albert Luthuli, one of South Africa’s foremost struggle heroes, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 for his role in the non-violent fight against apartheid.
Director Jerry Pooe has adapted Luthuli’s book, adding vibrant choreography by Reggie Densta to present a musical journey through Luthuli’s life. This marks the major changes in South African history as it moved towards its much-valued democracy.
Pooe’s aim is to ensure that the production serves as a history lesson to the youth as well as a reminder to South Africans of all races and creeds of the challenging journey the country has travelled. Infused with song and dance, the show also includes much humour.
The opening audiovisual image of a train approaching at speed reminds audiences how Luthuli died. He was supposedly run over by a train but in a closing scene, we see Thandeka Mdlalose as his widow Nokukhanya giving a poignant performance as she questions whether his death was an “accident”. The scene following the train sequence features grieving friends and relatives and is memorable for a beautiful soprano and alto duet.
Impressing in the lead role is Ntando Mncube. Simon Gwala and Xolani Henema are notable, the latter appearing in a cameo role as Nelson Mandela. If you think you are seeing double, then you are –the Eager Artists’ identical twins, Musawenkosi and Bongumusa Shabalala, take up their roles as the Priest and Postman. Somebody needs to write a play around these two – when they’re on stage together, it’s a fascinating sight!
As always, Eager Artists operate as an ensemble, offering fine performances from every member of the cast which also includes Roelf Matlala; Nobuhle Maphanga; Stella Zuma; Zandile Ngobose; Siphindile Myeni; Zanele Zulu; Xolani Dlongolo; Dennis Mbhele and Nhlakanipho Maphumulo.
It was a great joy to sit in the re-structured auditorium on comfortable seats in what I believe will become one of the most popular performing theatre venues in Durban. Alright, I’m biased (I serve on the board of Stable Theatre) but its central position, easy access and on-site parking offers great opportunities for performers and audiences alike.
Presented by Eager Artists in association with Stable Theatre, Albert Luthuli – Let My People Go has one more public performance this evening (June 8) at Stable Theatre at 19h00. Tickets R50. For bookings, enquiries and directions contact Khethiwe on 072 462 1603. – Caroline Smart
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