(Bongani Mbatha)
Powerful, compelling
and relentless performance brings this one man production to life. (Review by
Keith Millar)
A powerful, compelling
and relentless performance by Bongani Mbatha brought this one man production,
with a strong moral message, to life.
Mbatha plays
Innocent Mhlanga who, on leaving Kokies Tavern in Kwa Mashu one night, is
involved in a terrible accident. He miraculously survives, but he is left
disabled. As a result he receives a substantial pay-out from the Road Accident
Fund.
Instead of
conserving this money he embarks on a mad spending spree and buys everything
from clothing to motor cars. He lives an extravagant life style, spoiling his
friends and throwing lavish parties. He also pays for the renovation of Kokies
Tavern.
Although he does not have a driver’s license,
one night when drunk he attempts to drive a car and this action has tragic
consequences. At the same time he learns that all his money is gone (All Gone).
His friends abandon him and he becomes a cleaner and labourer at Kokies Tavern.
The play reflects how
often when people are given a chance in life to secure a future from themselves
and their families they instead squander the opportunity and end up in a life
of poverty and hardship.
All Gone is a true-life tale co-written by Bongani Mbatha and Thami Sikhosana,
who is also responsible for the direction of the play. The story is played out partly
in the form of story-telling and partly as a narrative from various characters.
These characters are all excellently created by Mbatha.
Mbatha is alone
onstage for the duration of the production. He uses only a few items of
clothing to change character or status. His props are a few beer crates. These
are stacked to set the scene of Kokies Tavern and other environments. It is
simple but quite effective. This, along with Mbatha’s fabulous performance,
evokes a convincing township vibe.
All Gone can be seen at the Catalina Theatre at Wilson’s Wharf, Thursdays to
Saturdays at 19h00, and Sundays at 15h00 until April 12. Tickets R50 booked at
Computicket, by phoning 0861 915 8000, or online at www.Computicket.com.
Tickets will also be available at the door. For school bookings phone 083 250 2690.
– Keith Millar
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