ZION

(Pabello Sithe, Nomasontho Dlamini, Lethabo Nong, Slindokuhle
Mthethwa & Thembeni Mpungose)

One of the three productions making up Programme #1 of this year’s fourth Community Arts Festival (CAF) presented by The Playhouse Company is Zion which forms part of a Triple Bill featuring Talking Spirit and Umlabalaba.

Industry professionals signed by The Playhouse Company to work with this year’s community artists include Edmund Mhlongo (mentor and director); Ralph Lawson (directing and acting); Caroline Smart (voice production); Peter Gardner (agents and auditions), Juan Burgers (music and singing); Ashwin Singh (script writing, contracts and copyright); Peter Court (masks and physical theatre), Dr Emma Durden (administration & artistic management), Megan Levy (stage management), and Nkanyiso Kunene and Sandile Mbili (movement and dance).

A Newcastle Arts Development project, Zion is directed by Phelelani Mzimela. When a man is wounded in his own psychological development he is not able to give his daughter the care and guidance she needs. Inheriting these wounds from her father, Zion finds her ability impaired to express herself professionally, intellectually, sexually and socially. At the age of 25, Zion is embarking on a journey to break the bitter cycle in order to rejoice in her womanhood. This piece is performed by Nomasonto Dlamini, Thembeni Mpungose, Slindokuhle Mthethwa, Lethabo Nong, Paballo Sithe and Mxolisi Sibiya.

This absorbing programme of three works can be seen in the Playhouse Loft from April 11 to 13 with performances at 11h00, 14h00 and 18h00. Admission is free.

The second programme, which runs from April 17 to 20, will feature Sugar Daddies from April 17 to 20 which looks head-on at the social issue widely prevalent today of older, often married, men with financial means having very young girlfriends. The production will also tour to schools in KZN.