Actors deserve standing ovation for their
conviction and great efforts. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Wushwini Pan African Centre presents King Cetshwayo the Musical at the
Playhouse Drama. Written and directed by popular local director Jerry Pooe and
featuring over 25 actors, this musical reveals the trials and tribulations of
the Zulu nation under the reign of the British. This history play takes us
through the events that led up to King Cetshwayo's, king of Zululand's victory
over, defeat and exile by the British rulers.
Cetshwayo was the first crowned king under
British rule and after his return from exile, the first to restore the Zulu
monarchy after it was destroyed by British laws in our country.
Pooe does well to create great atmosphere
with the lights. The play also does well to recount this poignant story in our
history. However, I do feel that is was a little unconventional for a musical.
The usual build-up that occurs in a musical seems absent.
On point was the singing which was
presented with great gusto, emotion and sophistication but I felt that the
dancing could have been tighter and on par with the singing. The speaking
scenes needed more nuances. What seemed unconventional was the lack of crisis
for the second half to occur. The writing was mostly in narrative speech which
led to very little theatrical action on stage.
Although unconventional, the audience still
gave the show a standing ovation which the actors deserve for their conviction
and great efforts.
King
Cetshwayo, the Musical has one more performance
tonight (June 23) in The Playhouse Drama at 19h00. Tickets R50 booked through
Computicket and at the Playhouse. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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