(Musa Mjoko)
Inspiring and enriching local theatre. (Review by Rowin
Munsamy)
Long-term AIDS survivor and activist Musa Njoko has crafted
an original musical theatre production which chronicles her astonishing life,
sharing her triumphs and challenging personal journey as one of the country’s
earliest AIDS activists. The show is well directed by Edmund Mhlongo, with
dazzling choreography by Delani Khumalo and Thami Njoko. In My Own Voice features a cast of 16 performers with a five-piece
band under the musical direction of Wanda Kwela.
The chorus of singers, dressed in Red Hoods, accompanied by
the symphonic sounds of the band, help to journey us into the dark woods which
is Njoko’s past and her faith, struggle and triumph over HIV/AIDS. Queenie, the
lead character, is depicted brilliantly with youthful spunk by a young talented
actress. She appeared in Sophiatown
last year and this year gets to flex her muscles in this meaty and challenging
role. Gugu, her best friend, offers some much-needed comic relief amongst the
sorrow of the story being told. The singing is impeccable as the leads and the
chorus sing hymns that are familiar and songs that are new which, together with
the story, provide us with faith, hope and inspiration. The vibey dancers, with
choreography embedded in cultural milieu and Pantsula, entertain with their
expressive and energetic moves.
The script is well thought-out as it teaches without taking
away from its entertainment value. The only lull experienced was during the
interview scene which was very fact-driven. But this could have been forgiven
had there been an interval during the almost two-hour show. All of which is
overcome by the impact of the finale and the honest sentiments spoken by Njoko
herself.
In creating her ground-breaking new work, Njoko has sought
to give expression to the faith that sustained her through her darkest times of
feeling abandoned by those around her as she struggled to come to terms with
her perilously deteriorating health during the early days of the AIDS pandemic.
“We live in a world dominated by fear, mistrust and societal
fragmentation, where our families are damaged by the hurt of abandonment,
unkindness and cruelty,” says Njoko.
In My Own Voice is
being staged as part of the AIDS2016 global conference in Durban. Presented by
Musa Njoko Music and Entertainment in association with the Playhouse Company,
and supported by Ethekwini Municipality, the production will run until July 24.
It is inspiring and enriching local theatre. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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