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.
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