Two popular shows hit the stage at Soweto Theatre
Theatre-goers are in for a big treat next month as two-award winning productions hit the stage at the classy Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.
The first is Mhla Salamana, a highly acclaimed production directed by Thando Doni. The play opens at Soweto’s entertainment jewel on Tuesday 5 March, after which it will be staged on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 22 March.
The second production is Nothing But The Truth written by John Kani, the Godfather of South African theatre and television.
The play returns to the iconic venue for a five-day run – from Monday March 16 to Friday March 20 – by popular demand after a highly successful tour of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal last year, during which a total of 9 000 learners and 400 educators flocked to local venues to watch it.
Mhla Salamana is a familiar, but gripping, love story for many South Africans and theatre lovers. A near-perfect relationship goes pear-shaped for a loving young couple. Melikhaya, played by Mkhuseli Richard Tafane and Zanele, played by Asanda Rilityana, find themselves torn apart by infidelity.
Their child, Olwethu, played by Aphiwe Menziwa, is caught in the middle. Eventually their home and marriage crumble under the pressure of unfaithfulness. Acapela soundscape is by Muiziek Sensation.
The award-winning show – it won the Zabalaza Festival Award in 2012 – is directed by Doni, who also doubles up as a set designer.
Performances are held between 11am and 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3pm on Sundays.
Tickets, which are already on sale, are R50 for adults and R30 for students.
Nothing But The Truth returns to Soweto as part of South Africa’s celebrations of 20 years of democracy. The play will be followed by a question-and-answer session to help the audiences understand it better.
First produced in 2002, Nothing But The Truth tells a complex South African story of “family, forgiveness, truth, justice, reconciliation and compassion”, among other things. Directed by award-winning Phala O Phala, the play features Dambuza Dube as Sipho, Nombulelo Mhlongo as Mandisa and Sanela Tyelbooi as Thando.
The play also stars Momo Matsunyane, Khutjo Bakunzi-Green, Mandisa Nduna, Zesuliwe Hadebe and Mpume Mthombeni.
For more information, contact Boitumelo Motsoatsoe of Lali Dangazele on (011) 0575088/89 or Tumy@shakexperience.com or lali@shakexperience.com.
