Vuselela comes to Joburg Theatre
Wits alumni Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu present to you the production Vuselela (Revive) formally known as Vuselela Mta’ka Ma.
The show runs from the 4 – 11 of August, 2017 at the Joburg Theatre Space.com. The official opening is on the 4th of August, 2017.
The production was first staged in 2015 as Bongiwe Mazibuko’s directing exam in the 4th year Directors Festival at the Wits Downstairs theatre. It tells the story of a father who leaves his village in search of his daughter whom he had sent many years ago, to carry out a mission in the big city.
This women’s month, Joburg City Theatre’s Youth Development is excited to collaborate with a production by young upcoming theatre makers who are shaping their own narratives. Vuselela compels society self-reflect – Nondumiso Sithole, Joburg Theatres Youth Development Manager
After having completed their Drama degree, Vuselela producers Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu who are co-owners of the new production company LOB’K Production have also jointly directed the piece. Majoring in Performance and Television Studies Bongukwazi directed a piece for the JOYA Festival (Joburg Youth Arts) 2016 titled The Magic Pot. The young black woman have both produced and directed the production.
These are some of the raging reviews received from Vuselela’s first staging in 2015:
“Vuselela Mta’ka Ma. This was the most beautiful piece of art ever… I love the talent that is being produced by the Wits School of Arts”
“I saw it last week too!!!! I’m still in awe!! It’s BILLIANT”
Vuselela draws its inspiration from African Oral Performances, Greek classics and makes use of the Brechtian approach to theatre. Extracts from W.E.B Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folks and Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like have been modified and adapted into the script. The play also makes use of newspaper articles around the Marikana massacre and Emmanuel Sithole’s xenophobic attack as spring board’s for the devising of scenes and reflecting the harsh reality of western influence that has interfered, dismantled and obviated the continental unity of Africans.
“As young black female theatre makers, Vuselela is only the beginning of the many artistic endeavors we intend to take on, that not only entertain but also awaken our consciousness. We are thankful to the Joburg Theatre for having afforded us the platform to launch.” – Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu, LOB’K House of Tales Production Company
After its run at Joburg Theatre, Vuselela will also be showcasing at The Arts Alive Jozi book fair in September 2017.
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Show running dates: FRI-04-AUG-2017 19:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre SAT-05-AUG-2017 15:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre SUN-06-AUG-2017 15:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre TUE-08-AUG-2017 19:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre THU-10-AUG-2017 19:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre FRI-11-AUG-2017 19:00 Space.com at Joburg Theatre |
For the Joburg Theatre season just click the ‘Book Now’ button below or call the Joburg Theatre call centre on 0861 670 670. Bookings can also be done online at www.webtickets.co.za and in person at the Joburg Theatre box office. Patrons can also book and pay Please call Happiness on 011 877 6853 or Tlhopiso on 011 877 6917 for special rates on schools and group bookings. For further information go to joburgtheatre.com
Fact Sheet:
Extract taken from Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like,
News Paper Articles: Emmanuel Sithole: Chronicle of a Killing in Cold Blood- by James Oatway, Sunday Times & Ramaphosa apologises in his role in Marikana Massacre by Lizeka Tandwa, News24.
Produced by: Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu under LOB’K House of Tales Production Company
Written by: Adaptation of W.E.B Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folks by Bongiwe Mazibuko
Directed by: Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu
Cast
Kgomotso Nkomo Melissa Bambie
Fumane Moeketsi Bongukwazi Xulu
Thandeka Khoza Lihle Dhlamini
Quinton Manning Musawenkosi Mhlope
Mxolisi Sopiseka Thabo Vava
Thando Mahlangu Philangezwi Nxumalo
& Thembile “Snypper” Tshuma
Production Crew
Stage Manager & Crew: Bongiwe Mazibuko & Bongukwazi Xulu
Lighting design Ntokozo Ndlovu
Lighting: Tshepo Sithole
Poster Design Siphumelele Chagwe
