(Gina Mhlophe)
Gcina Mhlope’s show ends with a deeply meaningful message of
hope for South Africa and its people. (Review by Keith Millar)
The Musho! Festival, Durban’s popular annual showcase of one
and two hander productions, which is taking place at the Catalina Theatre at
Wilson’s Wharf this week, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To commemorate
this auspicious occasion, artists and productions which have been audience
favourites over the past ten years have been invited to take part in the five
day festival in what is effectively a “best of” compilation.
No better artist could have been invited to open the
festival on Wednesday night than South Africa’s iconic storyteller, the
wonderful and inspirational Gina Mhlophe.
Mhlophe is an internationally renowned activist, actor, storyteller
poet, playwright, director, and educator. During her lifetime she has travelled
to many parts of the world entertaining and educating countless numbers of
people.
It is these experiences that she relates to the audience in
her marvellous production My Travelling
Bag. With fabulous wit, immense charm and more than a little wisdom she
regales her audience with tales which range from her first trip to England when
she was still a nervous young lady through to her experiences across Europe, in
America and Canada, and far-flung lands such as Iceland and Columbia.
Her stories are told with self-deprecating humour and with
wonderful insight into the places she has visited and the people she has met. She
radiates joy and amazement when talking of the many great events she has been
involved in and of the countless unusual experiences she has had.
Her show ends with a deeply meaningful message of hope for
South Africa and its people.
To say that she held her audience – including many of
Durban’s theatre and entertainment luminaries - in the palm of her hand is an
understatement. They sat transfixed by her every word. Her show run longer than
advertised but there were no complaints. In fact, I felt sure everyone wanted
her to keep going on and on. One cannot help but feel honoured to have been
entertained by this national treasure.
Tickets R50. (R30 students, OAP and PANSA members) booked via
Computicket or by phoning 031 837 5999. For the Musho! Festival programme visit
www.mushofestival.co.za
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