State of the Ape Address returns to South Africa
After several performances in South Africa earlier this year, Mwezi Arts Theatre production State of the Ape Address is set to return to the country on October 25 to December 15 under Mzansi Tour 24.
This is a continuation of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Tour that saw the play performed at Botho Festival in Limpopo in South Africa and the Festival International Teatro de Inverno (FITI) in Maputo, Mozambique.
The play, which features actor Taddja Tawonga Nkhonjera in a solo performance, is an adaptation of Frank Kafka’s A Report to an Academy, shedding light on affairs that affect human life.
In an interview, director of production Stanley Mambo expressed confidence in the show’s quality ahead of the tour. He said the production has already drawn attention beyond Malawi.
“The fact that some have booked some venues show that it is a good production. We have put in a lot of work and we are ready to deliver,” he said.
In a separate interview, Nkhonjera said the tour is an indication that the country has quality exportable art.
He said: “It is no mean achievement to get venues and bookings in South Africa. Locally, we do not have many venues which is a challenge.
“But perhaps if our productions grab the attention of international markets, maybe the local audience will see the value and would want to experience,” he said.
Nkhonjera said he is prepared for the tour and is positive that he will deliver a good performance in South Africa.
“I am ready. The play is a living piece so it is not the same performance. I am always discovering new emotions, feelings, metaphors and identify new ways to emote and express them,” he said.
State of the Ape Address is a physical monologue is which the main character is an ape called Red Peter who was shot and taken captive by a circus master.
Red Peter is later scientifically trained to emulate human actions. After five years, he is invited to an academy of scientists to give a report of his transition from ape to human nature.
The one-man play was produced in 2023. It was adapted and directed by Stanley Mambo and produced by Hazel Mambo.