(Mpume
Mthombeni as Nolwandle)
This
is a must-see production for both young and old as it calls South Africans to
action to be involved and halt the destruction of one of our biggest resources,
the Sea. (Review by Jean van Elden)
What a privilege it was to attend Lalela Uhwande (Listen to the Sea), the
latest Empatheatre production at the Square Space Theatre last night. Neil Coppen directs the well-researched piece produced
by Dr Dylan McGarry, which looks at the importance of the Ocean to the lives of
the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Coppen’s script is created from a
fascinating collection of real life stories and is revealed through the
reminiscings of three colourful and diverse KwaZulu-Natal characters. I felt
totally immersed as the individuals’ accounts were related in a very personal
and interactive way.
Faye (Alison Cassels) is a retired marine
scientist who cherishes the sea after her long career. She is dealing with the
recent loss of her husband. Nolwande (Mpume Mthombeni) is a marine educator at
an aquarium who is proud of her Zulu ancestral connection to the ocean. Niren
(Rory Booth) is a young social environmentalist who has been exposed to the sea
by his fisherman father. He reveals the rich history of his family’s fishing
heritage.
The oral stories are supported by haunting
sound tracks by Guy Buttery and Gary Thomas .The clever use of effective props
created powerful visual imagery.
All three characters feel the pressure that
modern situations have placed on our oceans and understand the negative impact
this has on our lives. Empatheatre has succeeded in encouraging debates about
the effect heritage, ancestral beliefs and perceived scientific progress have
on coastline and oceans. This is a must-see production for both young and old
as it calls South Africans to action to be involved and halt the destruction of
one of our biggest resources, the Sea.
Superb heartfelt performances by three
exceptionally accomplished actors, simple and effective lighting by Tina Le
Roux, wonderful imagery, sound and brilliant direction. Thanks to all involved
for this thought-provoking important piece of theatre
The production can be seen at uShaka Marine
World tomorrow (October 17) at 09h00 and on Friday (October 18) at 19h00. There
will be two more performances, at the Square Space at UKZN Howard College
campus, on Saturday (October 19) at 12h00 and 19h00.
For more information on Empatheatre visit
http://www.uncannyjustness.org/empatheatre.html - Jean van Elden
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