Durban University of Technology and the Department of Drama
and Production Studies proudly present Spirit
and Bones, opening at the Courtyard Theatre on August 13.
An energetic, thought-provoking yet amusing musical tale by
Thapelo “Mthakathi” Motloung, Spirit and
Bones is directed by DUT’s lecturer Siza Mthembu with musical direction by
Sizwe Nzimande of Ukhozi FM’s soapie Kusa
Kusa.
“As its title implies, Spirit
and Bones is about abangoma (traditional healers). The production addresses
the uninformed stigma often attached to traditional healers, and aims to
correct the mistaken perception of them as witchdoctors who are evil and
unholy,” says director Siza Mthembu. “The production unashamedly sings the
praises of abangoma through music, dance and drama, while celebrating their
roles within our society from days gone by to present day, as individuals who
uphold and preserve the local traditions, culture and heritage of this
continent.”
In 2010, Spirit and
Bones was staged in at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, at PACOFS
in Bloemfontein, and at the State Theatre’s Mzansi Fela Festival in Pretoria.
Says Mthembu, who directed Udwendwe luka kotto in 2014 and Untombazi
in 2013, also appeared in the film Between
Friends, screened during DIFF 2015, as well as performing in ETV’s Ekasi Stories: “Thapelo ‘Mthakathi’
Motloung originally wrote Spirit and
Bones in English,” he explains. “As it is a significant piece on our
cultural landscape, I decided to translate it into isiZulu in order to present
it this year as DUT’s annual Zulu drama. We have been rehearsing the work over
the past two weeks, and it will be performed by a cast of some 40 second-year
students. A particular attraction is the wealth of traditional music featured
in the play, which I felt was important for our students to get to know.”
Spirit and Bones runs
from August 13 to 15, nightly at 19h00 at the Courtyard Theatre on DUT’s Steve
Biko campus in Mansfield Road, Berea. Tickets R40 (R20 students and pensioners).
For more information contact Lebo Sibisi or Busi Mqadi on 031 373 2194 or
e-mail lebohangs@dut.ac.za
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