(Mbongeni Ngema &
Matshitshi Ngema. Pic by Val Adamson)
Ngema gives a riveting performance as he recounts the history of the
Zulu people. (Review by Keith Millar)
Mbongeni Ngema is a gifted storyteller. A talent he fully exploits in
his performance of his inspirational new one-man show, The Zulu, which is currently on in The Playhouse Drama in Durban.
As his inspiration in creating The
Zulu, Ngema used the stories told to him by his great-grandmother when he
was growing up in rural Zululand. He recounts the melodramatic history of the
Zulu people from time of King Shaka, through the reign of Kings Dingaan, Mpande
and Cetshwayo and culminating in a detailed and very dramatic description of
the famous Zulu victory over the British troops at Isandhlwana.
Events such as the genocide at the death of Queen Nandi, the battle of
Blood River and the murder of Piet Retief and his followers by Dingaan are all
recalled.
Ngema gives a riveting performance. The audience remained transfixed as
he told the story with pride, emotion and drama.
This show marks Ngema’s return to the stage as an actor, after many
years of creating and producing block-buster shows such as Woza Albert, Sarafina and Asinamali.
He has certainly lost none of his ability to enthrall and entertain.
Joining Ngema on stage is accomplished Maskandi artist Matshitshi Ngema.
He provides an extra dimension with his talented singing and guitar playing as
well as assisting in the recreation of dramatic moments in the story.
The Zulu is funded by the
National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and is produced by the Committed
Artists Foundation. Direction is by Christopher John while the simple but
versatile set was designed by Sarah Roberts. Kenny Bolokwe created the very
dramatic and complimentary lighting and the sound designer is Malcolm Nhleko.
Much of Zulu folklore and history is transmitted through story-telling.
It is a skill that is very important in the cultural heritage of the nation.
Ngema says of his great-grandmother: “Her skills as a story-teller kept
the wealth of our history alive, both about our family background, and our
proud roots as members of the Zulu nation”. These are story-telling skills have
been inherited by Mbongeni Ngema and The
Zulu will certainly play a part in keeping this history alive.
The
Zulu runs in the Playhouse Drama until December 29.
Tickets R150 Tuesdays to Thursdays and R200 Fridays to Sundays (R80 children/students/pensioners).
Block booking discounts are available. Performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at
20h00 (Sundays at 15h00). Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or
online at www.computicket.com – Keith
Millar
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