(An image from “Last
Cow Standing”)
The Hexagon Theatre, part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg campus, will present its ninth annual Minifest on February 27
and 28. On offer will be a range of theatre to suit all tastes: from Classic
South African Theatre and exciting new theatre creations to Poetry and award
winners from other festivals, all in the space of two days!
The programme on
February 27 features Last Cow Standing
(18h00); The Island (19h30), and Burn Out at 21h00.
Last Cow Standing is
an epic fantasy story about Samira, a young boy who is charged with a quest to
save his land. The Kingdom’s cows, once hundreds of thousands of heads strong,
has been almost killed off over years by a mysterious plague. On the advice of
his council, the King orders a mass sacrifice of the remaining herd in order to
cleanse his Kingdom of the curse. An old woman, however, believes that this
will do the exact opposite and bring about the final downfall of the Kingdom.
Too ill to travel, she sends her grandson Samira to warn the King in her stead.
Written by and starring Menzi Mkhwane, son of celebrated South African theatre
legend Bheki Mkhwane, Last Cow Standing
is a riveting one-hander performance.
The Island: John
and Winston are two prisoners on Robben Island, bound by ideology, proximity,
shackles and a deep affection. John learns that his release is imminent;
Winston is a lifer. This classic South African play by Athol Fugard, John Kani
and Winston Ntshona balances hope and despair as it exposes the depths of
cruelty and inhumanity while affirming the dignity and courage of the human
spirit. Under the direction of Peter Mitchell, TQ Zondi and Mpilo Nzimande
deliver riveting performances of this South African classic.
Burn-Out: Through
the use of physical theatre and narrative, director JC Zondi takes us inside
the lives of the men and women who save lives every day. Imagine superheroes
sitting in a minibus responding to every call. No matter how big or small the
adventure may be, the only thing they think of is saving at least one life.
Unlike our fantasy heroes, these heroes’ shining armour is their courage and
fearlessness. Burn-Out tells the
stories of two paramedics - stories of trauma, blood and guts. It’s a witty,
gruesome, funny, heart-warming tale. This is an urban comedy with a difference
- real heroes grappling with the Grim Reaper. Based on true stories and events,
this play takes the audience on a ride-along through the day to day activities
of paramedics and the obstacles and threats they encounter each time they are
called to save a life. We are taken on a journey on the roads of South Africa
by the two performers. “Smile…even death has a funny side”
The programme on
February 28 features Morgue (16h30); Croc E Moses (18h00), and The Chameleon (19h30)
Morgue: As world
domination by a corporate colossus looms, Slim, a coroner with multiple
personality disorder, becomes compelled to find out why three fresh cadavers
have taken control of his mind. A masterful one-man physical theatre satire
from the ridiculously talented Francis Mennigke is described as “…one of the
most brilliant pieces of art I have ever seen.” Nolan Haukeness, Today
columnist, Alberta, Canada. Morgue is
written and performed by Francis Mennigke and directed by William Le Cordeur.
Croc E Moses: Based
in Swaziland and South Africa for more than half his life, Croc E Moses is a
creator and performer of word-music. His delivery borders on incantation. With
oodles of poly-rhythms, a soothing accent and lots of word play, he draws his
audience into many different ways of experiencing words. He takes many risks in
his content and with his imagination, his work being serious, sensitive, deep,
sometimes profound, but equally flippant and possibly humorous. Aspiring to
levity, he lifts anyone who is willing to listen. In addition to writing,
teaching and independent publishing, croc E has taught himself guitar,
performing a unique blend of vocal phrasing over a subtle rhythm-driven
approach to his style of playing. His content is mainly social commentary,
always encouraging people to “play attention”.
The Chameleon: There are two kinds of people: good and bad.
And each has its extremists. Discipline is what elevates you above a world
ruled by chaos but, sometimes things happen that are just out of your control.
The bad things form part of the garbage that needs to be taken out. What
happens when the garbage is actually multiple personalities, apart from the
self and ego or ultra-ego, inside you like a wounded monster? It would appear
that there’s a choice to be made: take care of the monster or put it out of its
misery. Fresh from the Musho! Festival in Durban, The Chameleon is written and directed by Wiseman Mncube and
performed by Sipho Zakwe.
The Minifest runs over two days – February 27 and 28 in the
Hexagon Theatre on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus. Tickets R50 per show
available at the door. More information on 033 260 5537 or email: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za
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