(John Kani in Missing. Pic by Oscar O'Ryan)
Missing, a new
South African production which has been performed at the Baxter and Market
Theatre, sees Tony-award-winning actor and writer, Dr John Kani at his very
best. It's his first full-length play since his Nothing But The Truth in 2002 which received numerous accolades
locally and abroad.
The production forms part of the Playhouse Company’s
New Stages season and has three performances in the Playhouse Drama at the end
of this week.
In Missing,
Kani teams up with theatre bluebloods, Janice Honeyman (director) and Mannie
Manim (lighting designer) to bring to life this intriguing love story cum
political thriller. It tells the story of an exiled comrade who returns to
South Africa with his Swedish wife and engaged daughter. Expecting to take up
an illustrious new career in the newly democratic government, he finds an
unexpected rival in one of his closest ex-comrades.
The play raises several important issues faced by
those who went into exile and who hoped to be recalled by the ANC to join the
government and take up a new life in a now democratic South Africa.
The cast features Kani as Robert Khalipa, Susan
Danford as his Swedish wife, Anna Ohlson, and newcomer Buhle Ngaba as their
daughter, Ayanda, who is a medical student. Apollo Ntshoko plays Peter
Tshabalala, a young comrade and Robert's assistant in the ANC office in
Stockholm.
Others who play
accompanying roles are Bongani Bennedict Masango (writer, director and
composer), Moses “Strike Moshe” Tholo (musical director, music arranger and
composer), Percy Mthunzi (music arranger and composer) and Thamsanqa Langeni
(music arranger and producer).
Missing runs in
the Playhouse Drama from May 15 to 17 at 19h00 and booking is through Computicket.
For specials and block booking discounts call 031
369 9596 / 031 369 9540 / 031 369
9456. There is a PG age restriction