Durban theatre pick: October 8 2010

Bittersweet is the story of the indentured labour system visited upon Indian labourers in 19th Century South Africa.

• On a particular level, Bittersweet is the story of suffering and helplessness under the iniquitous
  indentured labour system visited upon Indian labourers in 19th Century South Africa. But it’s
  also a universal tale of sacrifice, hope and the triumph of the human spirit under the most inhuman conditions. Set in the 1860s and revolving around the lives of four indentured Indian labourers, a woman and the Sardar (Indian Supervisor), Bittersweet is written by Yusuf Haffejee
  and directed by Pranesh Maharaj. As the drama unfolds, the injustice of the labour system intertwines in complex fashion with injustice of India’s caste system; the dynamics of the Moslem/Hindu relationship and the status of women in traditional Indian society. The gripping
  drama is given a haunting atmosphere by live musical performance by Master Vivek and Master
  Shakeel.

  Howard College Theatre, UKZN, until October 10. Tickets are R60 from Computicket or
  directly from Farouk Hoosen.
  Tel: 084 581 8186.