(Philani
Muthwa & Noluthando Kubeka. Pic by Val Adamson)
Engaging children’s play is relevant to
anyone and well worth a watch. (Review by Philisiwe Sithole)
This week, Stable Theatre has been buzzing
with laughter and noise from young kids of 8 and 9 excited to watch an engaging
children's play named Inkonyane Engenegama
(“The calf without a name”) written by Clinton Marius who has also created the puppets.
The show was translated to isiZulu and directed by Mpume Mthombeni who also
appears as a narrator.
Inkonyane
Engenegama is a story set in farms of Kwanongoma
about a young boy Sbu who stays with his grandparents, he has an indomitable
relationship with his grandfather who is blind because of old age yet his
blindness is filled with wisdom. The young boy takes care of the livestock and
his grandfather teaches him how to differentiate cows by their colour and how
special Nguni cattle are in their culture. When one of the cows gives birth,
Sbu develops an instant closeness to the calf.
The conflict is that the calf has no spots.
It’s white and traditionally it is believed that a white calf with no spots
belongs to the king. It becomes a gift to his kingdom. Sbu finds it hard to let
go of the calf so he finds ways and tricks to hide it from his grandfather and
everything else starts to go wrong. It is said that if you break tradition, it’s
the beginning of an end.
Performed in isiZulu, this play is not easy
to master especially when it includes puppetry. The actors need to be skilled
enough to perform as their own characters as well as those of the puppets. The
cast showed commitment and dedication to their work, Philani Muthwa performed
very well and it was a joy to watch him as well as Qaphela Makhoba, Mxo Shange,
Mpume Mthombeni and Noluthando Kubeka.
The movable set is beautifully animated and
full of activity and movement. It’s colourful as well. Some of the puppets were
caricature creations which brought a relaxed ease and humour to the story.
While it is a children play, the story is relevant to anyone. Well worth a
watch!
There is
one more performance today Saturday (March 16) at 10h00 at Stable Theatre.
Tickets R25 (R20 for block bookings of 20 or more) available at the door. For information on future seasons, contact Stable Theatre on 031 309 2513.
Inkonyane
Engenegama is supported by the KZN Department of Arts
and Culture, and Ethekwini Municipality. – Philisiwe Sithole
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