WOMEN IN SINGING

(Clockwise from top left, Philile Chonco, Mpume Mthombeni, Sam Hlophe, Sheila Mkhize, Angel Dateh Zondo. Pic by Val Adamson)

Amusing and entertaining anthem to womanhood. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Currently running in the Playhouse Loft for a short season is Women in Singing. Scripted and directed by Zeph Nzama, it “focuses on women who have been abused spiritually and physically. Instead of bemoaning their unhappy situations, they have decided to come together with a positive attitude.”

So, don’t think you’re in for an evening of angst and belligerent feminism. On the contrary, this is an amusing and entertaining anthem to womanhood presented by five talented women backed up by a five-piece instrumental group celebrating womanhood in all its facets.

The group is on its way to New York to perform before a audience of thousands and we meet them as they rehearse their act. Things don’t start off well. Philile Chonco is in a bad mood. The rest of the group is late. In bounces Sam Hlophe who is quick to berate the others - Mpume Mthombeni, Sheila Mkhize and Angel Dateh Zondo - who arrive shortly after her, just as late!

In an amusing and entertaining programme, they celebrate women or commiserate with them through song. Another strong focus is to follow your dreams and be the best you can be. There’s also an amusing sequence where they take off top South African politicians. A major portion of the production is in isiZulu and I was sorry that I am not more proficient in the language especially as the audience’s response to many of the lines was jubilant.

The set is simple and the band is accommodated behind the performers. The group comprises musical director Mthobisi Mthalane  (keyboards), Mbuso Sokhela (bass) and Spha Dlamini (drums) with the added attraction of Nokwanda Nkala (saxophone) and Stephanie Pais (trumpet), the latter giving a beautiful solo towards the end of the play.

I do believe that this production has great potential and proves Zeph Nzama’s skills as a writer, lyricist and director. I would like to see it developed further, with clearer definition of each character from the beginning as they are all individuals in their own right. There’s the feisty Sam Hlophe, the cool and elegant Angel Zondo, the stylish Philile Chonco and the engaging Sheila Mkhize as well as powerhouse Mpume Mthombeni who gave an energised version of Zulu hip hop!

In the interim, I would strongly suggest that the cast work on their articulation. It is difficult to perform with an onstage band as this impacts on sound balances but clearer speech would avoid some of the lyrics being lost. I would also suggest a rethink of the costumes. From Nguni Shades - and glamorous though they may be - they are not made for the strong focus on movement the production demands.

Presented by Gcugcwa Creative Productions in association with The Playhouse Company, Women in Singing is 65 minutes long and runs in the Playhouse Loft until June 15 with performances at 19h00 (Wednesday to Saturday) with additional 15h00 matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday (June 14 and 15). Tickets R85. Block bookings of 10 or more are R75 per person.

Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com Bookings can also be made via the Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 (office hours).- Caroline Smart

(If you miss the production in Durban and are headed for the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, “Women in Singing” will be performing in the City Hall from July 8 to 13. See https://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/events/)