Taking Madiba impresses fans
A two-member cast play titled Taking Madiba by Dikamawoko Arts Troupe impressed fans last Saturday at Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) in Blantyre with its brilliant story-line.
In the play, Taonga Nkhonjera acted as Death while Constance Thyangathyanga was the Creator.
What excited the audience was the clever mixture of scenes that ranged from social ills, lighter moments of boozing, the death of innocent people at the hands of police and of course, the main theme— taking Madiba’s life.
In the play, a heated argument between Death and the Creator regarding Madiba’s life ensued. On Madiba’s life, even Death was hesitant to act upon.
“The life of Nelson Mandela, as pleasing as it was, must return to where it came from,” said the Creator after callous Death had taken the life of Madiba, though reluctantly.
Notably, the chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s life from Robben Island Prison through his leadership in South Africa up to his death was a superb portrayal; especially taking into account that there were two actors playing various roles of such a magnanimous life of Madiba.
Perhaps the strength of the play lies in its originality and daring exploration of having two actors do different activities within one play simultaneously without having to change scenes.
Overall, it was a mixture of experience on the part of Nkhonjera as lead actor coupled with skill and on the other hand, sheer talent from his colleague whose calm and composure was conspicuous. n
