Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Durban theatre picks: December 17 2010

2 min read

Mbongeni Ngema has the monopoly on Durban stages this week.

  • Mbongeni Ngema’s stage musical Sarafina is one of the great triumphs of the South African stage, as is another of his hit productions, the multi-award-winning musical drama Asinamali.

    • The acclaimed work has toured internationally for more than two decades and is structured around events in Durban township Lamontville during the 1980s when a critical rent strike was led by community activist Msizi Dube and Pastor Mcebisi Xundu. Asinamali, literally meaning ‘we have no money”, became a pivotal part of a defiance campaign that urged the community of Lamontville not to pay for the municipal services of the apartheid government. A show of great vitality, sadness and humour, Asinamali is a compelling theatre experience which blends intense drama with exhilarating dance and hypnotic choral singing.

    The Playhouse Drama Theatre, December 17 to 24. Tickets R70 – R95 in advance through
    Computicket and between R95 and R120 on the night. Tel: 031 369 9596.

  • KZN theatre icon Mbongeni Ngema is renowned for blending music and drama in his work but in his new production entitled Stimela saseZola the director focuses entirely on music by pooling the talents of some of the province’s finest musical talent. Internationally acclaimed maskandi musicians Madala Kunene, Phuzekhemisi and Mfiliseni Magubane are joined by exciting new singer/dancer Nondumiso Tembe; jazz star Natalie Rungan; Afro-pop impressarios Afro Soul; ace Kwaito exponents Bullistic, Sosha and Mgarimbe and uplifting R&B singer Nhlanhla Sibisi.

    • With sumptuous backing by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra this is live, loud and local at its
    spectacular best.

    The Playhouse Opera, December 22 and 23. Advance tickets R115 through Computicket; at the
    door R135. Tel: 031 369 9540.