This weekend, the Playhouse Theatre will transform into a vibrant homage to the remarkable life of Queen Nandi, the revered mother of King Shaka, with the debut of “Nandi - The Musical".
Written and directed by Edmund Mhlongo, this production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that echoes the spirit of the Zulu people.
Featuring a predominantly female cast, the musical delves into Nandi’s profound commitment to raising her son while weaving themes of hope, determination and resilience throughout the narrative.
As the musical unfolds, audiences will witness Queen Nandi's evolution from a figure bordering on obscurity to becoming a formidable force, guiding her child amid personal struggles and societal challenges that resonate far beyond historical boundaries.
Set against the backdrop of Nandi's "exile," the musical captures her intense journey through the complexities of motherhood and leadership. Mhlongo's artistic vision infuses vibrant energy and depth into the performances, drawing the audience into Nandi's powerful narrative.
Leading the cast is talented actress Ntokozo Ngcobo, who embodies the essence of Nandi, while Dr Gcina Mhlophe lends her voice to narrate the story as the wise Old Nandi. The cast also features dynamic performances from artists such as Zawadi Yamungu and dancer-actress Velile Makhoba, alongside the powerful vocal contributions of Nontokozo Mkhize. Together, they create a tapestry of sound and movement that promises to engage and inspire audiences.
Where: The Playhouse Drama Theatre.
When: Thursday, March 27 until Sunday, March 30.
Cost: Tickets are R150 per person. Block bookings are available at discounted prices. Tickets can be purchased through Webtickets.
UPCOMING SHOW
"Bodies of Water"
Flatfoot Dance Company set to dazzle theatregoers with a new production called "Bodies of Water".
The contemporary dance showcase will make a splash at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from April 10 to 13.
Under the artistic leadership of award-winning choreographer Lliane Loots, audiences are promised a captivating experience that melds artistry with poignant ecological themes.
Loots is set to team up with celebrated Durban-based musicians Refiloe Olifant on violin and Mandla Matsha on percussion, to create a visceral and sensory-rich performance.
The infusion of live music will elevate the dance, allowing for a soulful and thought-provoking exploration of critical contemporary issues.
Loots says: "'Bodies of Water' embraces a double meaning as the dance work negotiates the ecology of water alongside an awareness that the human body is made up of 70% water.
"Setting the dancing moving body as a breathing metaphor for climate justice, the six Flatfoot dancers face what happens to bodies in times of personal and political crisis."
She continues: “Set against our own African geopolitics and a larger 'body' of social dis-ease, 'Bodies of Water' comes back to the ideas of how we relate to bodies of water as both artistic and political metaphors for survival. Even though the human body is made up of mostly water, this fluidity is not our daily reality as we see a world becoming more intractable. The remarkable thing about water is that it is always travelling back to source, back home."
The choreography includes six incredibly talented dancers: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube.
Loots regards these performers as co-creators of the piece, stating: "In this work the dancers courageously face off with their own flow and sometimes immovability as 'Bodies of Water' open space for all of us to examine the very beating of our own hearts and the (wished for) lightness of our footsteps on this Earth.
"The production is a daring and deeply beautiful navigation of both the human condition and the ecology of our planet.”
The dance is complemented by an original score, expertly devised in collaboration with Olifant and Matsha.
In her tribute, Loots refers to Olifant, fondly known as Fifi, as the "7th dancer" due to her exceptional ability to improvise and intertwine music with movement.
Fifi, a principal violinist with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, is known for her artistry and soundscapes that elevate dance performances to new heights.
Her distinctive musical voice is further strengthened by the contributions of Mandla Matsha, whose intricate percussion ignites the rhythm at the heart of "Bodies of Water".
Loots praises his versatility, from djembe drums to the istolotolo (mouth harp), which provides a powerful foundation for the dancers to explore their narratives.
“Mandla is a percussionist whose particular ability to score when working with dancers, is what hold the production together. His range of instruments from djembe drums to the istolotolo are truly phenomenal."
The visually striking components of the performance will be brought to life by award-winning lighting designer Wesley Maherry.
The production invites all who attend to not just witness an artistic showcase but to engage with an urgent dialogue about our planet, existence and the fundamental elements that connect us to one another.
Where: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
When: April 10 - 13.
Cost: Tickets cost between R95 and R120 and can be purchased through Webtickets.