(Dr
Satchu Annamalai)
The
Musical Blacks – Ubuntu Stories is a Mandela
Centenary presentation, written and directed by former lecturer and theatre
practitioner Dr Satchu Annamalai. Produced by Raasi Productions, it is a series
of spiritual or Ubuntu stories presented in the format of a musical or as
Annamalai describes it, ‘a meta-musical’ -
one that draws attention to itself.
The lively banter and exhilarating music
renditions, whilst of great entertainment value, asks telling questions of how
humans live and conduct themselves.
Evoking memories of iconic leaders such as
Mandela, Buddha, Chris Hani, Gandhi, Sai Baba and others, the presentation
places a question mark on the quality of life people are getting accustomed to.
Importantly, it does not dwell on the negatives but rather succinctly
encourages a change in direction – one that embraces spirituality. Themes of
love, money, happiness, greed, violence, corruption, etc. are placed under the microscope
in varying degrees.
Ubuntu
Stories is not set in any particular location or
deals with a particular group of people; it broadly refers to the weaknesses in
the human race. The music selection is strongly African and comprises both
cover versions and original pieces composed by Dr Annamalai.
The show is performed by Raasi Guyz, a
group of performers made up of Annamalai and his three children - Kashvin
Annamalai (15), Dayita Annamalai (12) and Rashawn Annamalai (10).
Raasi Productions was launched in July last
year as part of a ‘Families Acting Together’ project initiated by Annamalai.
The Company has since aligned itself with various community organisations and
is making an impact in school events, community celebrations, fund-raising
activity and poverty alleviation projects.
The
Musical Blacks – Ubuntu Stories is scheduled to
play at the National Arts Festival from June 28 to July 1, 2018. It will play
nightly at the Grahamstown City Hall and promises to be a real treat for
festival-goers this year. Details of this and other productions may be obtained
from the Festival website, www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
Individuals or organisations wanting to use
the 60-minute production for their Mandela Centenary celebrations should phone
Dr Annamalai on 083 289 0548 or email him on satchu.annamalai@gmail.com
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