Whatshot
Umabatha
Umabatha
Date: 2017-05-12
The Durban University of Technology Department of Drama and Production Studies will present a re-interpretation of Welcome Msomi's iconic and critically-acclaimed 1971 play, uMabatha, from 14 May to 18 May 2017.
Msomi's play, known as known as 'the Zulu Macbeth', offers a localized reading of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Msomi explored themes in Macbeth such as abuse of power and unchecked ambition, and their potential to corrupt; greed and deceit; tyranny and oppression; and fate vs free will, all set in the context of early 19th-century South Africa. He (freely) interpreted and aligned Shakespeare's original narrative to run parallel to the historical narrative of Shaka kaSenzangakhona (Shaka Zulu). Characters and locations were transposed to a local context: Macbeth, Macduff, Lady Macbeth and Banquo become Mabatha, Mafudu, Kamadonsela and Bhangane respectively, and the invading army that defeats Mabatha is Swazi.
"The witchcraft, intrigues, plotting, assassinations in William Shakespeare's Macbeth are, in uMabatha, cleverly allied to those that occurred in the development of the Zulu nation. uMabatha isnota Zulu version of Macbeth but portrays historical Zulu events woven around Shakespeare's plot. Clothed in Zulu dress and using mystic language, tribal dancing is incorporated as was done in traditional Zulu custom. Masks, dances of supplication, exorcism, defiance and scorn build the story of tradition, magic and ritual," noted commentator the late Lucky Sibaya in his publication on uMabatha.
Written in 1970, the play is a landmark in the South African theatre landscape.
uMabatha was revived in post-Apartheid South Africa in 1995 at the request of Nelson Mandela.
uMabatha is directed by DUT's drama lecturer Siza KaMnisi Mthembu, and features DUT Department of Drama and Production Studies students.
Venue is the Courtyard Theatre, Steve Biko Road, Ritson Campus, Gate 6. For bookings / information: Lebo Sibisi on 031 - 373 1694 o/h.
