UNTOMBAZI

(Kwenza Ngcobo as Shaka & Thandeka Qwabe as Mbuzikazi his girlfriend. Pic by Val Adamson)

Another good and entertaining production by the impressive DUT Department of Drama Studies. (Review by Keith Millar)

Presented as part of Heritage Month by the Durban University of Technology Department of Drama Studies in collaboration with The Stable Theatre, uNtombazi is about a fascinating and pivotal period in the history of the Zulu nation.

Written by AH Dladla, the story is based on the legend of Queen Ntombazi of the Ndwandwe clan. Her son Zwide KaLanga ruled the clan from around 1805 to1820. During this time Zwide was growing in military strength and had ambitions of expanding his empire. His mother was a Sangoma who used witchcraft to eliminate many of those who stood in his way.

One of his main rivals was King Dingiswayo of the Mthethwa clan, who was also the mentor of Prince Shaka, heir to the Zulu throne. In 1818, with the help of his mother, Zwide destroyed the power of the Mthethwa kingdom and had King Dingiswayo put to death.

By 1920, the Zulu nation under King Shaka had grown powerful and defeated Zwide and his army in battle. Queen uNtombazi was burnt to death by Shaka’s warriors. Thereafter, the Zulus continued to grow from strength to strength into a mighty nation.

uNtombazi is performed by 45 second year students from DUT. They all put their hearts and souls into the very physical and melodramatic production. This talented group, all only 18 to 24 years old, were given an invaluable learning experience by being part of this production.

In the title role of uNtombazi, Nolwazi Ngcobo (she alternated with Pride Ngcobo during the run). She was beautifully evil and manipulative as the Sangoma with murder in her heart. Simenezelo Xulu (alternating with Sipho Zwake) as Zwede, Sbusiso Ngcobo as Dingiswayo and Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo (alternating with Lucky Gcumisa) as Shaka, all gave magnificently regal and proud performances.

Directed by DUT’s drama lecturer Siza KaMnisi Mthembu, with assistance from third year student Mpilo Khumalo, uNtombazi was a visually satisfying production throughout. On entering the theatre one was confronted by a superb set depicting a Zulu rural village. On stage was all the cast, from Zulu maidens, warriors, senior women and royalty, in a tableau of village life. It was a beautiful and very authentic looking scene.

uNtombazi’s hut was of particular note. It was adorned with the skulls of her victims and the skins of dead animals, and had smoke wafting from the concoctions she was brewing.

The costumes are excellent. Authentic and colourful, they set the time period perfectly. The dances, choreographed by Mdu Mtshali, are absolutely outstanding while the music composed by Aphiwe Namba is very dramatic and complimentary to the action.

Playing a big part in the success of this project was Durban’s historic Stable Theatre.

Progressive thinking Theatre Manager, Thanduxolo Zulu, has often spoken of the core role the organisation has in the encouragement and development of young people in the world of the performing arts. By hosting DUT at The Stable Theatre for this production they have admirably achieved their aim. uNtombazi was another good and entertaining production by the impressive DUT Department of Drama Studies. – Keith Millar.