(Left: Menzi Mkhwane)
This is a remarkable production and I would urge you
not to miss it when it comes your way in the future. (Review by Caroline Smart)
I saw Menzi Mkhwane’s Last Cow Standing when it was first performed about four years ago
at the Catalina Theatre. Originally directed by Lihle Dhlomo, the one-man show has
appeared several times since then.
I was able to catch it again when it had a short run
in the Playhouse Loft last week where it also performed to schoolchildren. The
space was altered with chairs placed around the stage itself, thus creating a
“theatre in the round”.
Mkhwane explains that he originally wanted to create a
piece of theatre in which he would be able to showcase his acting skills. “I
started considering performing and creating it when I was at a point in my
journey when I wanted to do solo work and would showcase my interest in African
storytelling. I was inspired by my dad (well-known actor Bheki Mkhwane), Ellis
Pearson and Andrew Buckland. I spent a long time watching videos of some of the
best work my dad had done over the years, trying to find my own original story.”
His main inspiration came from Marguerite Poland’s
book, The Abandoned Herds. “I found
it intriguing and it had all the elements I wanted.”
This latest version, directed by Mkhwane who gives a
brilliant performance, shows considerable development and while it would
benefit from some cutting, it still remains a compelling piece of theatre.
Mkhwane, who is a master of vocal versatility, has
created a story that’s set in the rural outback landscape of the Nguni world.
The kingdom is suffering from a plague that has killed nearly all the cattle in
the area. The king believes that by sacrificing all the remaining cows, Gwande
(the kingdom’s deity) will perform a miracle that will save the kingdom.
However, an old woman believes this is completely the
wrong approach and will devastate the kingdom. She sends her grandson, Samira,
to travel to the King and warn him to change his mind.
The play covers Samira’s journey, in which he is
accompanied by their last cow. Here, I must add that Mkhwane has mastered the
sound of the deep lowing of a cow and the opening deals with the slow death of
an animal, requiring the actor to generate the sounds of bovine pain and
distress.
In his travels, Samira comes across a wide-ranging
number of people – all of whom Mkhwane gives distinctive bodily and vocal
characteristics. His command of accents and characters is very impressive as is
his considerable breath control.
Seated behind the audience at the back of the stage, Matthew
Hoffman provides an effective musical landscape on keyboard. Lighting plays a
major part in the dramatic process and Nkosingiphile
(Mancane) Dlamini does an excellent job.
This is a remarkable production and I would urge you
not to miss it when it comes your way in the future.
For more information contact Menzi Mkhwane on 079 554
4941. – Caroline Smart
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