An extremely important piece of theatre. (Review by Keith Millar)
Ulwembu, which is
enjoying a brief run in the Playhouse Loft Theatre, is a brutal, hard-hitting,
bleak and shocking production. It is, nonetheless, an extremely important piece
of theatre.
It tells the story of the devastation and misery that is being wrought
on our communities by the drug that goes by the rather amusing name of Whoonga.
Ulwembu is the IsiZulu word for spider web and this insidious drug is
exactly like that. Users are entrapped and there is no escape and soon the
entire community can be affected by a vicious cycle of deceit, theft, violence
and neglect.
But this production is not a stereotyped “say no to drugs” play.It is a
deeply-researched theatre project which is authentic, insightful, razor-sharp
and frighteningly real. In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is
educational theatre at its zenith.
Over a period of two years a team of story-tellers, playwrights,
theatre-practitioners, academics, and researchers set about investigating the
Whoonga (low grade heroin) crises in Durban. They interviewed community
leaders, police, users, social workers and parents.
The result is the powerful production, Ulwembu.
The team, however, do not see Ulwembu, which also discusses the
issue of xenophobia, as a once-off play in isolation. They see it as part of
their research project and a vehicle to create ongoing dialogue, acceptance,
understanding and maybe, ultimately to offer solutions.to the problem
The creative team for Ulwembu consists of award-winning
playwright and director Neil Coppen, top local actress Mpume Mtombeni, the Kwa-Mashu
based community-theatre group, The Big Brotherhood, and educational sociologist
Dylan McGarry.
Mpume Mtombeni, playing a police lieutenant whose son becomes a Whoonga
addict ,is simply superb. Her memorable performance is one of deep emotion and
strength.
The actors from The Big Brotherhood included Vumani Khumalo, Phumlani Ngubane, Ngcebo Cele, Sandile Nxumalo and Zenzo
Msomi. All of them cover themselves in glory with their passionate
performances.
Special mention must be made of the brilliant lighting design by Tina
Le Roux. It is an integral part of the production and instrumental in creating the
rather bleak and chilling ambiance.
Direction is by Neil Coppen and design by Dylan McGarry.
Is Ulwembu entertaining? Strangely enough, yes. After the diet
of comedy and music tributes which are normally dished up to Durban audiences
it is a rare pleasure to see a team of such accomplished theatre practitioners
producing something cerebral, engrossing and meaningful.
The Department of Education should make this production compulsory
viewing for every pupil in the land.
Ulwembu has been made possible through the generous support of the Urban
Futures Centre, Twist Theatre Development Project (Twist Durban), Think Theatre
and the generous constant support of the Denis Hurley Centre.
There are two more performances in the Playhouse Loft: tonight
and tomorrow (April 8 and 9) at 19h00. Booking is through Computicket and
tickets are R50. For more information visit www.ulwembu.net
– Keith Millar
This project is
primarily funded by the Open Society Foundations, as well as Twist Theatre
Development Project, and the Urban Futures Centre