05978321

Grahamstown: July 1, 2012 – Review by Philisiwe Sithole

Durban University of Technology Drama and Production Studies in association with the National Arts Festival presented Genbia Hyla's 05978321 on the Fringe of the National Arts Festival. Directed by Thembalethu 'pro' Nqumako.05978321 is about a crime during a peacekeeping mission in Burundi in 2001 and the trial about that ten years later.

The show combines the symbolic set and mask in a challenging way with history. It emphasises 05978321 as a show in which carnival is used as a metaphor. The use of mask in hiding the face symbolises the hidden truth of the trial. The show talks to the brain of the audience, it is very wordy, full of facts and juristic procedures, the director succeeds in making theatre out of that.

Ayanda Khowa delivered a good interpretation of the accused, the cast also included Ndumiso Mhlongo,Siyasanga; Tundzi,Sifanelesibonge; Mimmy Mtshali; Mbaliyethu Sithole and Charles Zulu. I attended its final show on the festival – and here’s hoping that it will be repeated in Durban. – Philisiwe Sithole