IsiXhosa Drama AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO to Play the Baxter Theatre this May

The award-winning Thami aka Mbongo will direct the isiXhosa production, AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO at the Baxter Theatre Centre this May. This is the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival's third isiXhosa production, with AMABALI ETHU, adapted and directed by Zoleka Helesi from Janice Honeyman's BANGALORY'S BACK) and AKWABA, directed by Sizwe Msutu and based on the prescribed literature text by Thenjiswa Ntwana, already having played seasons at the popular Capetonian theatre centre.

Performed in isiXhosa with English surtitles, AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO is loosely translated as "valley of doubt". A beautifully written piece, this popular prescribed literature text for Grade 11s in South African schools deals with the complex universal theme of love. The story is layered with the intricacies of love and life, charged with passion and intrigue. Betrayal, abuse and violence collide in a world where love is tested and proves its resilience. The word "amathafa" means fields or valleys, a metaphor for love in the play: as in nature, there is nothing simple about love and people rarely ever know where love will lead. Love has the ability to take one to the heights of ecstasy or leave one in a state of despair, as it tries to find a way out of a valley of doubts.

AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO is based on the book by Fikiswa P Magqashela, who heads up the Language Unit at the Western Cape Department of Health's Communication Directorate, a position she has held since 2006. She is an established creative writer of various genres and a translator in various fields. The stage adaptation of this book features additional writing by Anele Kose, with music composed and produced by Mangaliso Ntekiso.

Director Mbongo is the artistic director of the Baxter's Zabalaza Theatre Festival, which recently received the Fleur du Cap Innovation in Theatre award. Earlier this year, Mbongo received the Western Cape Cultural Affairs Ministerial Award for his Contribution to the Arts. He says:

The play is cleverly written. I love how the author writes about the complexities of love and relationships, using landscapes and the weather to show the ups and the downs. Anyone who has ever fallen in love or is in love will relate to the themes in the play. I am very excited to be directing a full-length production. I think it's overdue. This is a chance to show how I have grown over the years in terms of directing. I am excited and extremely grateful to be granted this opportunity.

For AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO, Mbongo has brought together a formidable young cast of nine actors, featuring Ninkie Zimasa, Thembekile Komani, Bongile Mantsai, Mangaliso Ntekiso, Olwethu Mdala, Phumeza Rashe-Matoti, Nomakrestu Xakathugaga, Given Mkhondo and Anele Kose. Set design and lighting for AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO is by Luyanda Somkhence, with costume design by Phumeza Rashe-Matoti.

AMATHAF'ENTANDABUZO previews on 4 -5 May at 12:00 and 10:00 respectively before opening on 5 May at 12:00. The production runs until 14 May, with weekday performances at 10:00 and 12:00, two evening performances on 12 - 13 May at 19:00, and one Saturday matinee on 14 May at 14:00. There is an age restriction of 10 years, and parental guidance is advised due to language and violence.

Tickets cost R40 and bookings can be made through Computicket online, by phone on 0861 915 8000, or in person at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted corporate, schools or block-bookings, charities or fundraisers, contact Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993.