“Diketso” plays for Heritage
The South African State theatre in association with Kepra Productions this heritage month presents a production on African tradition and culture entitled “Diketso” from the 7th to 23rd September.
Diketso (deeds) is written and directed by Kedibone Manyaka, and stars newly cast three-time SAFTA award winner and former Generations actor Mandla Kgaduka who will work alongside Sinovuyo Sebakeng, Hazel Mehlape, Lesego Nchachi, Rivoningo Nkuna and Tshepo Mokonyane.
The play follows a woman named Mmatsheko who suffers the repercussions of not obeying an ancestral call. The wrath of her ancestors befalls to take everything from her including her only son. She then loses her mind where no medical practitioner is able to help her except undergoing initiation. We witness how, through music, dance and storytelling, her ancestors share the gift of healing with her and as she undergoes the process, they also let go of the anger they had on her.
The director says the story is about personal observations and confirmation that our culture should never be taken for granted.
“It is a clarion call to our people to be in touch with their Africanis and how far modern trends and practices can affect humanity in the African context. It is a calling on our people to revisit that which has made them Africans in the first place,”
said Manyaka.
Manyaka was born and bred in a Pretoria township called Atteridgeville. She started her career in sketch plays in her community before she got under the wings of directors like Paul Grootboom when he was still resident Director at the State theatre in the early 2000s. With the mentoring she got to land role in a set works before her big break in Soul City in 2004 as an actress. Now she has taken her career to another level by venturing into writing and directing. Her goal is to be one of the best female writers of SA and participate in youth development.
Diketso premiered at the Grahamstown National Arts festival last year in Makanda. Now it will be on stage at the State Theatre for a season run. Tickets range from R55 to R110 at Computicket outlets nationwide.
