(Martin le Maitre, Nhlakanipho Manqele
& Peter Gardner)
Writer/producer
Duncan Buwalda offers an intriguing play with a “what if” scenario. (Review by
Keith Millar)
Two of South
Africa’s heavyweights of history, supreme empire builder Cecil John Rhodes, and
one of the ANC’s founding fathers, Sol Plaatje, meet and form a friendship during
the siege of Kimberly in 1899.
Only, this
meeting never actually took place. While Rhodes was, in fact, in Kimberly
during the siege, Plaatje was based in Mafeking at the time.
What writer
Duncan Buwalda is offering in his intriguing play - currently appearing at the National Arts Festvial - is a “what if” scenario. What
if these two intellectual giants had, in fact, met? What could have transpired
- and what impact could it have had on the history of South Africa?
In the play,
the two build up a strong relationship based on mutual respect and admiration.
They develop a warm and affectionate friendship and are able to share their future
plans and dreams.
Rhodes, the embodiment
of British imperialism, was a complex character. He was a rich and powerful man
who preached Christian values but practiced racism. He was also- according to many historians - a closet
homosexual. Plaatje was a gifted and versatile family man who devoted his life
to the struggle of the black people of South Africa. The fundamental differences
between the two men inevitably lead to a showdown which causes heartbreak and
bitterness.
The role of Cecil
John Rhodes is played by Martin le Maitre. He gives a powerful and emotive
performance in portraying this arrogant, self-serving bully with feet of clay.
By contrast, Nhlakanipho Manqele’s is more genteel and subtle in his depiction
of Solomon T Plaatje. Both are admirable in their roles and give compelling
performances.
The
supporting cast is made up of experienced and skilled actors. Peter Gardner plays
the military commander of Kimberley, Colonel Kekewich, who is constantly at
loggerheads with Rhodes. Frank Graham is Doctor Smartt and Adam Dore is the
Newspaper Seller.
Hinterland is directed by theatre veteran
Caroline Smart. Her experience is obvious in the clever set where, despite the
set restrictions of a festival production (very little time between shows),
clever use has been made of a few tables and chairs, drapes and props to invoke
a Victorian atmosphere for the work. It is also helped by the use of Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory as linking music,
and with sound effects such as a vintage steam engine.
Hinterland is a thinking person’s drama.
Everyone will have their own ideas of what could have happened if these two
iconic leaders had met, and what impact it could have had on our country.
The remaining performances
of Hinterland will take place at the
Hanger as follows: Saturday June 29 at 13h00 and Sunday June 30 at 12h30. Tickets are R60 (full) and R50 (student/scholar) – Keith Millar
For more information on the National
Arts Festival, click on the banner at the top of this page.
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