By Kgauhelo Dube
“Waiting for Thandiwe” is a witty and original South African story; the first production of the newly launched theatre company, black curtain theatre movement which aims to introduce theatre and the appreciation thereof to the demographic that represents the majority of South Africa’s population.
The play is set in King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape. The main character, Lulu, is a young man who studies drama at UCT drama school in Cape Town. He is home for the school holidays and things are exactly the same as they were. Everyone thinks he is the hope of the neighbourhood...just like bra Steve (Biko) – who lived in the same street as Lulu and also went to university. No one quite understands how anyone could make a living out of “making sketches” a la Gibson Kente and Lulu ‘s mom is still the “ghetto economist” … the queen of stretching the budget!
Lulu has a new girlfriend he met in Cape Town. Thandiwe is an “exile baby” who doesn’t speak a stitch of any African language. She is a well-travelled, cosmopolitan woman of the world. Despite their stark cultural differences, Lulu is smitten and itching to propose. Today, she will be making her way to Lulu’s hometown for a visit…
This play highlights everyday identity issues that will strike a chord with anyone.
Lulama Masimini, a UCT graduate morphs into the frenzied Lulu superbly. He is no stranger to the theatre circuit, with past performances in Big Dada and Medea (Brett Bailey) amongst others.
The play premiered on the fringe at the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown to a great response, it had a short run at the Wits 969 Theatre Festival.
Dates:
10-13th October 2007 – 8pm
14th October 2007 – 2pm
Tickets available from Computicket @ R47
So if you're in Pretoria be sure to check it out. Lets support black theatre people!
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