(Nthabiseng Mpanza (Mama), Nothando
Maphumulo (Ruth), Zuziwe Ndlela (Beneatha)
& Wesley Floris (Walter).)
These characters in play are emotionally
commanding. (Review by Philisiwe Twijnstra)
The University of San Diego in the USA, and
UKZN’s Howard College campus present a South African version of A Raisin in the Sun which explores racism
in both USA and South African politics, all mediated through this seminal 1965
play written by Lorraine Hansberry.
The play was co-directed and adapted by
Prof Niyi Coker and Kamini Govender, the play is set in 1986, South Africa. An
exploration of the Sithole family, whose everyday existence is pervaded by an
oppressive system, in the slums of Durban.
Lena Sithole, a single mother and
grandmother lives with her daughter Beneatha and her son Walter (as well as his
wife, Ruth and their son Travis). The family lives together in a rundown
two-room house. Not only do these characters feel confined by their physical
home space, they also feel restricted by the social roles they’ve been
assigned.
The play explores what some families go
through behind closed doors, the brutal truth carried by the play is haunting
also it acts as a window to every family that struggles yet still has dreams
and hopes to reach a better life. This play speaks of black experience and its
reverence.
Watching the play, was nostalgic, I
realised, that these stories, these journeys, these characters are as relevant
as they were back then grappling with the injustices and challenges of being
impoverished and having dreams ended because of where you come from or who you
are.
In addition, the set was of true reflection
of where most black South Africans grew up, a room that becomes a kitchen, a
dining room, a sleeping room and … a battle field. The hanging window, upstage
middle left was intriguing because it allowed characters to stand there and
busk in the light while they hoped in their dreams. The light emphasized a new
day.
Adapting a play is not a minuscule task
especially when adapting a play to a specific time or cultural setting; you do
that because there is relevance which Prof Coker and Govender have done
appropriately.
However, I missed the South African family
structures and relations which were not fully explored in this adaptation and
that could have strengthened the relevance of the play especially for South
African audience today. The play is set in the late 80s which historically was
when families integrated to suburban areas. Then the question remains in me -
Is it enough to base adaptations to historical relevance only?
However, it was the actors that made the
play stay home and become anew, they performed in Zulu, it was exciting to
watch senior students’ actors, a dedicated ensemble cast performing their
hearts out. These characters in play are emotionally commanding. Well done to
everyone involved who was able to enjoy to watching A Raisin in The Sun. - Philisiwe Twijnstra
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