(Sandile Magagula & Sinethemba Kunene.
Pic by Val Adamson)
I would recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for
rich culture and performance. - (Review
by Luthando Msomi)
Last week saw the opening night of Udwendwe luka Koto written by Siza Mthembu presented by the DUT
Drama Department. This production was chosen to open the newly refurbished
Courtyard Theatre.
It is a brilliant adaption of MK Xulu’s Zulu drama, as it
retained the richness of language but gave the story a whole new lease on life.
The tale is that of two young lovers, Mhalaza and Koto, who hail from different
villages. The conflict arises when Igqikiza Mthikalala, the chief maiden, conspires
with Magqubu, a young man who desperately wants to marry Koto. As a result,
Igqikiza Mthikalala is opposed to the love Koto shares with Mhalaza.
The conversations between Igqikiza Mthilalala and Koto are
endless arguments as Koto refuses to marry Magqubu, while Igqikiza Mthikalala
insists that she will to consent to marrying him, even if it’s the last thing
she does…
Despite this, Koto proceeds with her plans to marry Mhalaza,
with the blessing of her other sisters who support her decision to go where her
heart leads her. As our hearts warm to this love that knows no bounds, the
bitter rival Magqubu manipulates Igqikiza Mthikalala to help him plot the death
of Koto on her wedding day. Mhalaza is shattered by the death of his love, and
consults iSangoma for answers to who killed Koto. Soon after, the bodies of Igqikiza
Mthikalala and Magqubu are found next to each other on a pool of blood…dead.
From the start, the play opens in a beautiful harmony of
traditional Zulu wedding songs that instantly grabs the attention of the
audience because of the unconventional entry of the 30-member cast. With the
use of minimal props, and a stage that is almost bare, one is intrigued to find
out how the story will unfold. Traditional Zulu costumes fitting to each and
every character added to the great visual impact.
The lights were used so successfully, that one often forgot
that there is so much movement, fully complementing the complete use of the
theatre space. The traditional songs were accompanied by energetically
performed Zulu dance sequences, familiar to most of the Zulu speaking audience
members. This, as well as the moving from one area of the theatre to the next,
gave the opportunity for full engagement by the audience. It proved to be a bit
impractical due to numbers, but it served the purpose of showcasing the theatre
very well.
The character of Igqikiza Mthikalala was played by Zwakele
Gazu who through humour and an almost overwhelming presence was one of the play’s
gems. Zanele Mkhize who played Koto was also the very image of Intombi Yomzulu
(Zulu woman). The director did an excellent job in
presenting the purpose of the play, and in the deliverance of the story.
The cast of second year students showed evidence of the
excellence of talent when met with hard work and an ear for direction. The
disadvantage for some will be that the play is in Zulu, but it is so much more
than mere dialogue. I would recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for
rich culture and performance.
Undwendwe Luka Koto has its final
performance tonight (August 13) at 19h00. Tickets R40 (R15 students). Booking
is through Busisiwe Mqadi on 031 373 2194. - Luthando Msomi
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