Dare there be another Sunday...

Theatre
Production: Next Sunday
Date: 14 - 27 May
Guest: Fungai Tichawangana

I'm not sure what I was expecting. To be honest with you, the experienced arts journalist in me, who's been covering theatre among other things for years was thinking, "let's give this a chance", rather than, "this is going to be exciting". A little shallow and arrogant in hindsight, I must say.

I went to the opening of Next Sunday at the Market Theatre hoping for something new or unknown to review for the blog. I also went because I had a guest. Someone who I knew, without a doubt would enjoy a fresh piece of South African Theatre. So on this laid back Friday evening, my guest Fungai Tichawangana and I were off to the most popular theatre spot in Jozi.

So here I was, with a "shem" going through my mind as we waited for the lights and action to take centre stage.
"Shem" because this piece is by a bunch of young, upcoming and 'unknown' actors. It is also the work of a playwright and a director who I've never heard of before. So, I admit that I was feeling rather nervous for them. And although this very piece is the winner of last year's Zwakala Community Theatre Festival, I was still on my foolish "shem" mindset.

When the lights finally came on, when the "inexperienced" actors finally took to the stage, when the story began - I had no choice but to open up my mind, as soon as that was covered - it took all of ten minutes to get me sobbing. Literally, I was in tears.
I hope that just about clarifies what a sad story it is. It's a story that uses fear, love, hate and a broken family to paint the ghetto. Or maybe I should say - this story uses the backdrop of a township to let us into the lives of a torn family consumed by love, self hate and fear. I don't know which one is more accurate. For anyone who grew-up in a township - the accounts or anecdotes in the play might hit you a lot harder than the story-line itself.

It's a simple story. An elderly widower(Big-Boy), lives with his disobidient, alchoholic and unruly daughter(Matlakala) and his grand-daughter(Zazi). Between father and daughter - the fights are many, mainly driven by the daughter's failures, many of which are due to her own pains. See, Matlakala or Tlaki happens to be an only child. The pressure of a father who pegs all his dreams and wished on one child is the biggest pile of weight on Tlaki's shoulders. As if that is not enough, Tlaki is the product of two clashing personalities. Her father speaks of her late mother like there was never love between them. Calls her anything from slut, through drunkard right up to useless - in Matlakala's presence. He also tells Matlakala that she's everything like her mother. Added to that, Matlaka was discarded by her baby-daddy. After promises of marriage and a happy life together - her man disappeared on her as soon as their child is born. It's very hard to relate her pain or behaviour to any of these things and that is because she does a really good job of disrespecting her father. At some point they are in a screaming match, so painful it is to watch - especially when she calls him 'Big Boy', right in his face.

At this point of their lives - Zazi is seven years old going on eight. She is her grandfather's piece of hope and everything he lives for. As any mother does, Matlakala loves her daughter but constantly fails to prove that she cares for her, especially in her father's eyes.
As the story goes - grand-father teaches grand-daughter about ancestors, lost loved ones and why we look to them for answers if not guidance. Something he lives to regret.

The title's significance is in Zazi's upcoming birthday. Everyone seems to be looking forward to it. Even her long lost father appears from nowhere and shows up at Big Boy's house insisting on seeing her "for next Sunday is her birthday" he reasons.

Nothing is highlighted in the play more than the love Zazi and Big-Boy share. Even as her mother takes her away from him - Zazi is keen on being with her grandfather. It is after much pain, violation, confusion and being failed by her mother - when she finally re-unites with her grandfather, thing is - she's no longer alive when they finally do. See, Zazi remembered - just as her grandfather taught her, that we look up to the dead for protection and guidance.

The use of music in this play is brilliantly placed within the production to highlight emotions and to break scenes.
Lead actor Sizile Khumalo's (Big Boy) performance has to be the highlight of the play. At no point does he loose his track or sight of the old man's spirit or personality. So up to standard, it's refreshing.

As we walk away from the Barney Simon theatre, I ask my guest how he found the play and if the language worked for him. I ask because the play is mainly in isiZulu as we understand it in many of SA's townships. He tells me that he enjoyed the play, got the gist of the story and was moved by the idea of Zazi coming full circle re: death.

Next Sunday is the epitome of excellent theatre. The execution is immaculate, the acting is so on point, the script - the most interesting one I've ever come accross.
Never, in my entire life have I been so touched by a production like this. At the end of the play, I wanted do so many things at once. Clap, stand, cheer, cry, hug the cast - I was so moved.
My only regret is telling you about this piece after it's run. I wish you get to see this one - somewhere, somehow.

Please go to http://markettheatre.co.za/shows/watch/next-sunday for a brief background on the play.

Blasts from his first time...

Music
Recording: Concord, Live in Joburg
Date: (of release) November 2011

On the afternoon of Friday 11 May, I managed to get my hands on a copy of Concord Nkabinde's newly released DVD titled, Concord- "Live in Joburg, South Africa". As soon as I had it, I knew what I'd be up to on Sunday evening. I don't know what it is about Sunday evenings and good music. They just seem to go well together. No interruptions, no rush, no noise, no drama - just peace and good music.

So, the humble Nkabinde comes to the mic, greets and welcomes his audience after a brief introduction from his MC Buyile Mdladla. In his brief intro, the radio and TV personality refers to Nkabinde as one of the best bass guitarist in the country - surely anyone who knows Nkabinde's work agrees.
The amazing thing though about this particular reference to Nkabinde as one of the best in his industry/trade and country, especially at this particular moment is that this is not only Concords 1st live DVD recording, this is his first concert ever as CONCORD NKABINDE.
For the first time in his career, he is leading a band and performing (with other musicians) his own material and material by other artists personally selected by himself. Unusual yes, I stand to be corrected but no South African artist has ever made that ballsy move before. I mean the trend of recording live DVDs here at home is one that is fairly new. Artists are in their numbers recording live DVDs, mostly to celebrate something, like significant amounts of time spent in the industry, or the realisation of a huge following or to mark the success of an album or to even grow their following. But all the DVD recordings coming out of the music industry here at home seem to be making a point of growth, success or achievement.
Not this one. This was in a way - Concord Nkabinde's hello and may I add, that it was a proper one too.

Recorded in 2005 at The Bassline in Newtown, the concert is a true reflection of Nkabinde's personality, dedication to his craft, love for music and understanding of his fans. It turns out - the venue was so packed that some guest had to be turned away on that night. Let me remind you again - this was Concord Nkabinde's first concert ever. How many jazz musicians can say that about their first concert?
After years of supporting other musician on stages accross the world, his time had come.

The concert starts on a fitting mellow note. With the support of the keyboard Nkabinde plays his beloved bass and sings to his followers. He then starts building elements into the performance. Some expected, some fresh, some farmiliar but one a total blast. About 3 songs into the concert - he invites a beat-boxer who goes by the name Blast to join him on stage. The two make musical magic, surely a fascinating 1st for the audience. Their response says it all.
It is at this point of the DVD that the interviews that are part of the recording start becoming significantly poignant. From Nkabinde speaking about his music and intentions with the recording to special guests like rapper HHP and arts journalist (at the time) Michelle Constant through legendary pianist Themba Mkhize right down to radio hosts Nicky B and KG Moeketsi sharing their views on Concord the man and the musician. The interviews give the recording (as a production)a sense of balance, an attention maintaining touch.

Cracking a few jokes here and there, Nkabinde goes on to play classics and hits with guitarist and friend Louis Mhlanga. He then brings in the rest of the band to tighten the production before he seals it.
The camerawork too deserves kudos - totally colourful.

In one of the upsounds that compliment the concert - Nkabinde goes on to share a tale about how industry players urged him not to record the first concert but to wait a little longer, at least a few years or gigs before he records the DVD.
If stubborn is the word to be used to describe his reaction to those simple pieces of advice - I forgive him for it, actually - I thank him for it.

Sometimes - especially in decorated industries like the music industry we take for granted the hunger to do better than your best that can only come with doing something for the very first time. Concord Nkabinde did not in 2005. He defied the norms and went against the flow. That recording is 6 years old, and if I didn't know any better - I'd think he recorded it at the height of his career. The live DVD is OUTSTANDING.

My name is Tumi Sedumedi. I love the arts.

Concord- "Live in Joburg, South Africa" is available at Look&Listen stores.

For more on Concord Nkabinde and his work visit www.concordcreativity.com

Our attention in her CUSTODY

Literature
Book: Custody by Manju Kapur
Date: (of inteview with author)11 March


It’s not often that is one is completely engrossed in a piece of fiction that creates perceptions of being delicately weaved into our fabric of reality. So much so that one’s reading time takes on a life of its own and creates a realism that leaves you with visual questions – I wonder what the place and the people actually look like?

Custody by Manjur Kapur is an offering that embraces and subtly insists that the reality that she has created actually exists although the reader is overtly aware that this novel is classified under the genre - fiction. Characters with strong personalities, so strong that, in fact - one is forced between two powerful human emotions. Love and hate. And as you understand more of the drama, you even find yourself choosing sides.
Kapur sets the scenes and describes the places with such vivid authenticity that you wish by some mind-spell you could be transported to her India.

In her world, the puppets are as important as the stage that has been created and without the detail that is so elegantly presented like a surgeon’s scalpel in an operating theater the story line would fail miserably – she creates personas with balanced flaws and loveable nuances.

The backdrop of human drama that only relationships can create whether it’s the pursuit of love or the stark reality of love spurned, leaves you with a couple of moments. Manju Kapur has created a drama, a social tangle that will not be untangled until the last page is turned.
Set in the perceived middle class background of India with strong day to day dilemmas – we meet a couple who by everybody’s definition defines arranged marital perfection. Yet underneath the façade are infidelity, betrayal and ultimately redemption.

The author takes us effortlessly through the lives of the characters of Custody and makes you root even for those that orchestrate the hardship for their loved ones. Kapur is quick to point out herself that the work is fiction but some of the concepts like arranged marriage, divorce and modern India - have a tone of reality to it. Custody is set amidst the thriving economy of big beverage conglomerates, money and finding love, a constant theme even if it comes at the expense of an existing marriage.

The author asks bold questions through the four central characters Shagun, Ashok, Raman and Ishita and the journey for the reader is compelling. At what cost do you want to love? Could be one of the questions I came up with. As a man I found myself angry at Shagun as she treats Raman who I consider a hero with so much disdain and eventually severe contempt. I found myself rooting for Isha who after finding out that her near perfect marriage couldn’t survive the concept of no children in it. Brave - as she pieces back her life, her identity and ultimately her sexuality. In the end I could finally make peace with the Idea that although Ashok is a villain (in my eyes) and stole his employee’s wife, his love for Shagun is real and hoped that they would be happy forever.

I interviewed author Manjur Kapur and found a profoundly quiet spirit that understood her own power as an author and woman, humble to a fault - her latest offering is as honest as a fiction writer can get.

In a nutshell, this book will appeal to women but could appeal to men as well, if your open minded to read it, it could be a nice distraction. I am a man and I loved every moment reading this book.

I am Samm Marshall.