(Lungile
Mtshali plays the young mother, Kotso. Pic by Paulo Menezes)
Well-directed
tale of tribal war, with spectacular fight scenes and excellent performances.
(Review by Caroline Smart)
Menzi
Mkhwane’s new play, Secret Valley of
Great Kings, is set in the 1400’s in an unidentified area in Africa. It is
a tale of war, bloodshed and revenge while carrying a strong message of hope
and reconciliation. Impressing with his writing and direction, Mkhwane looks at
the issue of civil war in African countries. The mood is set as one enters the
theatre where two warriors (Monde Zondi and Kwenza
Ngcobo) are standing
sentry
The main character is a young mother,
Kotso, who begins the play by asking the spirits of her late parents for help
and guidance. Her kingdom is constantly at war and the king is manipulative and
power-hungry. The elders
have all mysteriously disappeared and there are no wise people left to guide
the community. A meteorite comes hurtling through the sky (very impressive
sound effect here!) and there is much frantic speculation as to its message
from the gods.
Kotso goes in search of the oracle, only to discover that
her son is of royal blood and destined to be a great leader. The child’s father
was the late king which makes him the brother of the current king. This now
puts her and her baby’s life at risk as the monarch plots his revenge.
Taking the role of the wild-haired oracle
Naomi is Danica Delaray with Cebile Hlatshwayo playing Naledi, Kotso's older
sister. Making the most of his manipulating role is Anele Nene with Zama Mngadi
and Mzamo Majola playing the kindly couple Kotso turns to for help.
Impressive
performances come from Thobane Nzuza as the invincible
warrior Eediyas and Mnqobi Msimangu as the joker.
Acting honours undoubtedly go to Lungile
Mtshali as Kotso. This
is a sustained, highly articulate and riveting performance.
With
sparks often flying off the swords, the dramatic fight sequences choreographed
by Gabrial Miya and Mkhwane are well-handled with nail-biting
authenticity.
This is a hard-working 11-member cast plus
one musician as there is very little let-up in the energy required for the hour
and a half duration of the play. Strong emotional scenes are also involved.
It’s difficult to believe that a number of the actors are still studying at
various performing arts institutions. This production shows that there is
strong talent on the way up.
Along
the way, we are reminded that we are watching a play. Although this diversion –
whether impromptu or scripted – was highly amusing, it tended to distract from
the plot.
All the music in the show is composed and
arranged by Nhlanhla Slayelo
Zondi. This provides an added element to the drama of
the piece. The use
of smoke and dust creates a vivid ambience.
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