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(Samantha Govender, Sanele Sibiya, Nqobile Mthembu, Savy
Ramsamy & Lovie Ramasrai)
A proudly South
African theatre play, The Bee Sting
is written and directed by award-winning stage and television personality
Samantha Govender. The play celebrates 22 years into South Africa’s democracy
through drama, comedy and dance.
The story is set
in the Naidu household in Chatsworth. A dark secret is buried about the family’s
past which impacts psychologically on the father and he seeks comfort in
alcohol. The Naidu’s daughter returns from her studies overseas and is already
involved in an intercultural relationship with a Black man who holds the key in
unlocking the family’s secret and contributing to the father facing his inner
demons.
The stellar cast
includes well-known television and stage actor Lovie Ramasrai who plays the
lead character Muthu, the father. Savy Ramsamy who has over 30 years of acting
experience performs besides him as his wife. Their daughter Deshnee is played
by Samantha Govender, the charming young black man, Rayshosa, is played by the
talented Sanele Sibiya, whereas Nqobile Mthembu, a current Masters student at
UKZN, plays the fascinating maid, Brenda, who uses manipulative strategies to
break the couple’s relationship.
The play uses
fictional characters and has its fair share of drama when tackling controversial
issues which is inspired by true events (the 1985 Riots in Inanda and Black
Economic Empowerment). Nevertheless, the drama is balanced with comedy as well
so it doesn’t leave the audience with heavy shoulders.
“The themes that
are explored in the play are Madiba’s vision of reconciliation, Shree Sathya
Saibaba’s teachings of love and humanity, the plight for survival in retaining
tradition and cultural belief systems; the respect and tolerance for different
cultures amalgamating and realising that South Africa is a nation that is work
in progress,” explains Govender.
“My aim as a
theatre practitioner is to tell real South African stories. I want my audience
to go through a journey of questioning and discovery through laughter or tears,
ideally both,” she adds.
The Bee Sting
has performances on May 6 and 7 at 20h30 at the Suncoast Supernova. Tickets
R100 through the cine centre website or call 0861246300. Early booking is
advised to avoid disappointment.
The Bee Sting
is proudly associated with the National Arts Council.
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