BIGLY YUGE

(Bongani Mbatha, Mduduzi Nombela & Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini. 

Photo by Val Adamson)

It’s about girth – but full of mirth!

Ask any plus-size person what life is like at the heavier end of the scale. They’ll tell you some good, some bad, some funny stories. Now these highs and lows are brought to the stage in Bigly Yuge, an entertaining new comedy loosely adapted from a script by Clinton Marius and presented by Moving Acts Productions in association with The Playhouse Company, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture.

Bigly Yuge runs in The Playhouse Loft in Durban, between December 4 and 15, 2019.

This new collaboration is the brainchild of award-winning actors, Bongani Mbatha, Mduduzi Nombela and Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini – each with impressive track records in stage, TV and screen – who have teamed up with crack writer, Clinton Marius, and noted director, Tony Kgorokge, to create a stage comedy that explores what life is like for plus-size people.

Combining comedy, drama, song and dance – the three talented performers present a jolly mash-up of life in the large lane. From dieting to exercise; from people pointing fingers and passing unkind remarks; to the strain on relationships; and the inability even to find a relationship – all the downsides to being a large person are explored in this new production.

Three friends who regularly meet up find the conversation inevitably turns to everyday dramas they face as ‘fatties’. One is facing an ultimatum from his wife: “shape up, or ship out”. Another cannot even hold down a relationship because of how he looks. And the third chap thinks he’ll find love by working through as many women as possible. All three have serious introspection to do, and realise they have to make drastic changes in their lives if they wish to be the people their partners would like them to be. But they also have to learn to love themselves before anyone else will love them in return.

Bongani Mbatha previously delighted audiences in All Gone, Maluju Zulu, Skungpoomery, Sophiatown and his award-winning performance in Sweetie Darling, as well as his appearance in a string of TV ads and on SABC’s Uzalo as a lawyer.

Mduduzi Nombela is a familiar face on Uzalo (as Bomu Cetshwayo), and is also featured in many Mzansi Magic films. He has also appeared on stage in Mashu The Musical, 10 Days in a Sheeben, House of Shaka, Bergville Stories and The Lion King. He is currently starring as Phunyuka in in Etv’s Imbewu – The Seed.

Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini is a well-known personality on TV, film, radio and stage, with a host of credits to his name. Popular appearances, to name a few among many others, include: Two Brothers, Between Friends, Uzalo, Shaka Zulu and a string of highly successful stand-up comedy gigs.

Clinton Marius has written and directed numerous stage productions, including the multi-award winning comedies, Lollipop Lane, B!*ch Stole My Doek, and Sweetie Darling.

Tony Kgoroge actor/director is best known to television audiences for his leading roles in the series Gaz’ lami (2002 -2003) and Zero Tolerance (2004), Hotel Rwanda (2004), Black Diamond (2006), Invictus (2009) Currently he is a lead actor (Ngcolosi) for Imbewu The Seed on Etv. His theatre credits include Die jogge, Three Penny Opera; Mooi Street Moves, Woza Albert and Joseph.

Expect loads of laughs, and a few tears, in this hot new stage production!

Bigly Yuge runs in The Playhouse Loft between December 4 and 15, with show from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 19h00 with Saturday matinees at 14h00 and Sunday shows at 15h00. Tickets R100.  Booking through Webtickets outlets at select Pick ‘n Pay outlets, or online at www.webtickets.co.za Alternatively call 031 369 9540 (office hours).