Nguvu ya Mbengu…eNtabelanga will be presented by Mud & Fire Parables from 21 to 23 October 2021 at Theatre Arts in Cape Town in Observatory to commemorate 100 years of the harrowing Bulhoek Massacre of 1921, where 193 worshippers were shot dead for refusing to leave their mountain of prayer, eNtabelanga near Komani (now Queenstown) in Eastern Cape.
This showcase is set to be a resistance against persistent narratives that continue to erase black history. The multilingual theatre production (performed in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, SeTswana, and Swahili) strongly draws its aesthetic from African storytelling traditions, incorporating dance, song, and ensemble work. Some performances will be accompanied by post-production conversations, exhibition, and virtual talks.
Originally devised by students at the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies under the direction of Mandla Mbothwe at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Nguvu ya Mbengu…eNtabelanga follows the story of prophet Enoch Mgijima, his followers the Israelites, and the land on which the Bulhoek massacre of 1921 would happen. The play is an excavation of the tragic slaughter on 24 May 1921, where the Union of South Africa’s police and army shot and killed worshippers, leaving many wounded and others arrested including Mgijima.
Nguvu ya Mbengu is a Swahili title meaning the power of the seed. “The voices of Abantwana Bomgquba (the Children of the Earth) whisper into the ears of the present and future child, a reminder that they have never been alone. A reminder that it takes the weeds to grow the strength of a seed, regardless of the pain, and historical, racial and colonial injustices,” says director Mandla Mbothwe. He is a multi-award-winning South African theatre-maker, published playwright, festival curator, director and art teacher who has been in the industry for over twenty years. He is co-artistic director of the Magnet Theatre Company and has served as Artistic Director of the Steve Biko Foundation, and creative manager of Artscape Theatre Centre. Currently he is a senior lecturer at UCT’s Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies.
Nguvu ya Mbengu…eNtabelanga Cast
The production boasts a stellar team with names such as Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre 2021 Thando Doni, internationally acclaimed choreographer Mzo Gasa, and award-winning musical director Zimbini Makwetu, to name a few.
The all-star cast includes, Thando Doni, Indalo Stofile, Lungile Lallie, Luhle Macanda, Mamello Makhetha, Katlego Lebogang, Luthabo Maduna. Director – Mandla Mbothwe, Choreographer – Mzo Gasa, Musical Director – Zimbini Makwetu, Performance Coach – Thando Doni, Composer – Elvis Sibeko, Multimedia – Sanjin Muftic, Technical and Lighting – Bamanye Yeko, Set and Costume – Linda Mandela Sejosingoe, and Production Manager – Qondiswa James.
The run of the production is supported by the South African State Theatre, Institute of Creative Arts, UCT Centre for Theatre Dance and Performance Studies, Distell, and Magnet Theatre.
WHAT: Nguvu ya Mbengu…eNtabelanga
WHERE: Theatre Arts, 26 Wesley St, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
WHEN: 21 to 23 October 2021 at 7:30PM. Matinee performances 2PM on 20 and 23 October 2021
TICKETS: R100 a ticket and can be found online at Theatre Arts
INFO: T 072 412 7513 | E qondiswa@mudandfireparables.co.za
