(Identical twins Bongamusa
and Musawenkosi Shabalala appear in “Up In The Sky”)
A vibrant line-up of live stage shows is on offer when
Stable Theatre presents its annual Phambili Festival from March 22 to 24.
Six exciting productions share the limelight next weekend,
along with a major book launch when Stable Theatre, in conjunction with the
Twist Theatre development initiative, presents its Phambili Theatre Festival
2013.
The festival opens at Stable Theatre on March 22 at 17h00
with the launch of a new publication, New South African Playscripts 2012/2013,
a compilation of two plays, Fikile
and Save My Soul, created by the
Twist group in association with professional writers, Neil Coppen and Themba
Mkhoma.
This is the only publication in the country that includes
scripts in English and isiZulu. This annual publication is shared freely with
universities, drama schools, theatre groups and other interested parties. It is
published by Twist Projects, and sponsored by the KZN Department of Arts and
Culture and the National Arts Council.
The book launch will be followed immediately by a performance
of Fikile at 18h00. Emuhle All
Artists have been working with Neil Coppen on this new work, which sees a
recent graduate returning home to honour a marriage proposal made by her
sweetheart several years ago. We follow her journey home, where she is
confronted by a series of choices which will shape her future.
She must learn to navigate the tricky terrain of traditional
values, family affairs as well as past loves and secrets that are re-awoken
with her arrival back into the community. Directed by Bongani Baai and stage-managed
by Londiwe Ngwazi, the play is performed by Pretty Ncayiyane, Londiwe Cele,
Nomathemba Kawula, Sanelisiwe Mabine, Philile Mbili, Siphesihle Cele, Mzamo
Mkhombe and S’fiso Chiliza.
A Twist information session fills the first theatre slot on March
23 from 10h00 to 12h00. Twist Theatre Development Projects is a Section 21
company and registered Not for Profit Organisation (NPO). It works with many
Community Theatre Groups and this session is open to all such groups who would
like to know more about Twist projects and its future plans.
Next up on the programme on March 23 at 14h00 is Footsteps, an exciting dance musical.
This PACOFS production depicts two people deeply in love but who have to find a
way of living together and overcoming family opposition to their relationship.
Up In The Sky, a
Wushwini production created and performed by identical twins Bongamusa and
Musawenkosi Shabalala with directorial support from Jerry Pooe takes the Stable
Theatre’s festival stage on March 23 at 15h30. Separated by their father’s
preference of - and support for - one to the detriment of the other, the
brothers have lost the deep connection they had with each other. Decisions have
to be made how to find each other again.
The last slot on March 23 at 17h00 is filled by Save My Soul . Performed by Dumisani
Kubheka, Siphesihle Mazibuko, Nkululeko Buthelezi, Sifiso Shoba, Njabulo
Sokhela, Sindisiwe Kheswa, Ntombifikile Mazibuko, Mandi Ndaba, Snethemba Mazibuko
and Nqobile Hadebe, this piece depicts a death-row prisoner who is approached
by a nun who aims to save his soul before his sad story of abuse and slavery
unfolds before her. Conceived by Siyakha Performing Artists and mentored by
Themba Mkhoma, the play has been directed by Dumisani Kubeka.
The final day’s programme (March 24) opens with a performance
of the Intuba Art Development production, The
Legend will Never Die at 12h30.
This is a story which revolves around the life and time of the late SACP
commander Chris Thembisile Hani. It shows how he was involved with the Mk
soldiers in Angola where Mk soldiers talk about the great hero till he was
assassinated. This powerful story is told through monologues and original
songs. Written and Directed by Xolani Dlongolo.
The next item on the bill on March 24 is The Blue Jacket at
14h00. This K-Cap production deals with the story of two half-brothers from
different fathers. One is from Angola and the other is from South Africa. The
two men meet after attending their mother’s funeral in order for them to decide
about each other’s fate. The production is performed by Lucky Simayile and
Ngcebo Cele, and runs for 45 minutes. It is written by David Stein and is based
on the concept by LNCS.
The Phambili Festival ends with a reprisal of the dance
musical, Footsteps, on Sunday at 15h30.
Admission to Phambili Festival productions is on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. All
are welcome. More information from Stable Theatre on 031 309 2513.
Stable Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of
Ethekwini Municipality and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture.
Programme:
March 22 at 17h00: New South African Playscripts 2012/2013,
a compilation of two plays, Fikile
and Save My Soul.
March 22 at 18h00: Fikile
(Emuhle All Artists)
March 23 from 10h00 to 12h00: Twist information session
March 23 at 14h00: Footsteps
(PACOFS)
March 23 at 15h30: Up
In The Sky (Wushwini production)
March 23 at 17h00: Save
My Soul (Siyakha Performing Artists)
March 24 at 12h30:
The Legend will Never Die Intuba Art
Development
March 24 at 14h00: The
Blue Jacket (K-Cap)
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