(Sandile
Magagula & Sinethemba Kunene. Pic by Val Adamson)
Undwendwe
Luka Koto (Koto’s Bridal
Party), presented by Durban University of Technology’s Drama Department, is the
production chosen to open the newly refurbished Courtyard Theatre on Mansfield
Road in Berea. This Zulu drama by MK Xulu is directed by Siza Mthembu .
The play tells of two young lovers, Mhalaza
and Koto, who hail from different villages somewhere in Zululand. Their love
relationship is opposed by Iqgikikiza Mthikalala, the Chief Maiden, who wants
Koto to marry Magqubu, a young man from their own village. Koto does not want
to marry the man of Igqikiza’s choice and she continues with her wedding plans.
However, things turn sour when Iqgikikiza
Mathikalala and Magqubu plot to kill Koto before her wedding day. Will they
succeed? How does Mhlalaza feel about this? And how will he react? This Zulu
version of Romeo and Juliet makes for
compelling drama.
The play incorporates love songs and
traditional Zulu dance sequences, choreographed by Mdu Mtshali. Heading the
30-member cast, which comprises DUT second-year Drama students, are Zanele
Mkhize as Koto, with Andile Nsibande and Sandile Magagula alternating in the
role of Mhalaza, Koto’s lover. The role of Mathikalala, the Chief Maiden, is
played by Zwakele Gazu. Phumlani Mdlalose plays Magqububu.
Undwendwe
Luka Koto runs from August 8
to 13 with performances nightly at 19h00. Tickets R40 (R15 students). Admission
is free for the special Student Night performance on August 11. Booking is
through Busisiwe Mqadi on 031 373 2194.
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