In Blood is truly
a celebration of life. (Review by Keith Millar)
In 2006, after recognising that there were few opportunities
for disabled people to express themselves in the performing arts, two
remarkable women gave up their jobs and formed African Sinakho Arts to rectify
this situation.
This was the start of a rollercoaster ride for Ndileka Santi
and Bukelwa Cakata which led to the rousing production of In Blood lighting up the stage at the Playhouse Drama Theatre this
past week-end. Presented by the African Sinakho Arts Disability Theatre in
association with the Playhouse Company, the production was part of the
Playhouse Company’s programme Reflecting and Celebrating 20 years of Democracy.
Conceptualised by Santi and written and directed by Cakata, In Blood is a fabulous kaleidoscope of
colour, dance, music, poetry and drama, as 80 young people, many of them with
disabilities, give their all on stage with joyful abandon. It is truly a
celebration of life.
Central to the idea behind In Blood is the colour red, the colour of our blood and thus the
colour common to all people.
The plot of this energetic and inspirational musical tells
the story of Duduzile, a blind village girl, who lives in poverty. Life is
harsh with family violence and HIV Aids rife. Duduzile herself is repeatedly
raped by her stepfather. Despite these hardships and through inspiring
strength, perseverance and determination, she achieves a life of success, love
and prosperity.
Playing the role of Duduzile is Thandi Gcwensa, an excellent
singer and actress, who is herself totally blind. Her talent and resolve are
the inspiration behind the production.
In Blood also
delivers strong messages against the social ills that blight our society, such
as violence against women and children and the HIV aids pandemic.
However, the overall message of the production is that with positive resolve, determination and persistence we can
achieve anything. We must seize the moment and aim for active achievement.
The 80 strong cast of this production all give whole-hearted,
carefree and enthusiastic performances. Many have disabilities of various kinds
and they perform alongside their able-bodied contemporaries. However, before
long one is no longer aware of the disabilities but rather charmed by the
unbridled joy they all experience in being able to perform on stage.
Bukelwa Cakata and Ndileka Santi have made many sacrifices
over the years but with the success of this heart-warming and inspiring
production they can be justifiably proud of their achievements.
The show is part of an on-going national tour that will
climax in an international tour. In Blood
is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. – Keith Millar
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