There are beautiful comic moments within
this serious drama. (Review by Siza KaMnisi Mthembu)
Tell A Story Productions presented Inja Yenja Enjeni at the DUT Upton
Residence. The production is written and directed by Senzo Mabanga, DUT Drama
and Production Studies Graduate.
Inja
yenja Enjeni is a one man show about a young Sifiso
who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder caused by physical, emotional
and mental abuse at the hands of his “father”. The story is carefully narrated
by Melusi Buthelezi (a DUT Drama Student) who plays multiple characters from
Sifiso to his Father, and other cameo characters on the street, Shebeen and
Esigodlweni sesangoma (traditionalist homestead).
There are beautiful comic moments within
this serious drama. Buthelezi must watch rushing his speech as some dialogue is
swallowed. There is a good use of props to symbolise actions, times and
characters. The set is simple yet so effective with beautiful isiNdebele
colours, while musicians are neatly placed on stage as background voices and
images.
Sfundo Ndlovu, Kholeka Gumede, Nhlakanipho
Ngcobo and Sbonelo Ndlovu (UKZN Students) add an excellent feel as they
harmonise throughout the performance. It is always good to see graduates from
different institutions collaborating.
Inja
yenja Enjeni comes out at a time when South Africa
is preparing for the Annual Campaign of No Violence against the Abuse of Women
and Children. These are some of the underline themes in the story: HIV/AIDS, rape,
cancer and alcohol abuse.
Senzo Mabanga must be commended as a young
upcoming director as he is able to convert any space for performance, working
under difficult conditions where Durban artists are struggling for space and
financial support.
Inja
Yenja Enjeni has two more performances - November 16
and 17 at 19h00 - at Upton Residence, Durban University of Technology, Steve
Biko Road. Tickets R60 available at the door at. There is a group discussion
after each performance. - Siza KaMnisi Mthembu.
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