Young Durban actor and writer Mphathy Shozi
and his Mvuzo Performing Arts Productions have created a production about Isaiah
Shembe, the first prophet of Nazareth Baptist Church
“The
play is about the first prophet of Ibandla lamaNazaretha, Isaiah Mloyiswa
Mudliwamafa Shembe known as uMqali Wendlela,” he explains. “The main focus is
on the prophet’s life from birth until his last days.”
His
family originated from Zululand. The father of the Prophet Shembe was Mayekisa,
the son of Nhliziyo, the son of Mzazela, the son of Sokhabuzela, the son of
Nyathikazi. They were from the Ntungwa tribe with the praise-name Nhlanzi, from
Donsa.
The Rise is a poetic and choreographed
musical show that tells the story through poetry, music, dance, acting and multimedia.
The presentation is 70% in the Zulu language, 10% of Sotho language, 5% of
Xhosa language and 15% in the English language. It tells the real story of this
enigmatic and most interesting character in South African history.
Shozi explains the reason behind telling
the story. “Southern Africa has a very rich cultural and political history,
some of the most important aspects of that history have not been recorded, and
sometimes it has been recorded insufficiently.
“The role of responsible and creative artists
is to be the conscience, the heart and eyes of society. The two partners that
have come together to collaborate in the theatrical recreation of one of the
pillars of African Independent Churches are committed to the truth about
African spirituality and moral regeneration. The Truth about Isaiah Shembe,
better known as uMqali Wendlela (The Beginner of the Way) needs to be told
properly and without prejudice. Theatre is an excellent way to blend various
artistic disciplines in order to tell a visually interesting and spiritually
stimulating story.”
Shembe is one of the most interesting
figures in South African history and there has never been a theatre production
that focuses on him as a leader and a God-Man.
“Our aim as Mvuzo Performing Arts
Productions (Pty) Ltd and Green Ankh Productions (Pty) Ltd is to tell this
story with as much reverence and attention to details as possible, so that the
audience is not only educated about Shembe and the significance of
AmaNazaretha, but also learns about African history and certain aspects of Zulu
culture and the cultures that surround it,” continues Shozi.
Mvuzo
Performing Arts and Green Ankh are looking for sponsorship for this touring production
and those interested should contact Mphathy Ziphathele
Shozi on 073 536 3340
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