Racial issue fuels stage production

Having already met with acclaim from theatre goers and fellow thespians, Isithunzi is on stage at The Market Theatre, telling a gruesome story from 2007.

Written by Sipho Zakwe, directed by Luthando Mngomezulu, Isithunzi was the 2016 winner of the Zwakala Festival at the famed Johannesburg Theatre and is now back to reach more audiences across Gauteng.

The theatre was founded in 1989 and just three years later the festival was launched and celebrates 25 years of theatre appreciation this year.

The festival was launched to provide a platform for local thespians, directors, producers and scriptwriters to gain skills in theatre work through the fieldwork practice that comes with creating a new play for the festival.

With Isithunzi finding fame through the festival last year, it is now able to enjoy a full run at the theatre until 18 June, hopefully pulling in a great number of people.

Meaning ‘ shadow’, Isithunzi is a story that was inspired by a tragic racial incident that was captured on camera in 2007 and went viral – starting a nationwide conversation about race, dignity, reconciliation and integration.

Exploring these same themes, the production plays out the 2007 incident where four white male students were recorded mistreating a group of older black cleaning staff.

The story progresses through the lives of one of the worker’s two sons who find themselves grappling with the dishonour and humiliation faced by the family after the incident took place.

With ever-mounting racial tension in South Africa, the story still tackles relevant topics and is a must-see.

Audience member, Zanele Madiba commented, “Isithunzi – wow, Luthando Mngomezulu. [I] will reflect tomorrow but in the meantime, our theatre is alive and well. And it’s in good hands. I’m completely blown away.”

Following its exciting run at POP Art earlier this year, the show is now at the Market Theatre for your enjoyment.

Details: markeththeatre.co.za

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