|
Township Stories Rock British Audiences.
-The people have spoken.
By Beata Diakowska and Guy
Mulvaney.
 |
The play- co written by Presley Chweneyagae- the leading actor of the Oscar - winning film Tsotsi-graphically features the horrendous circumstances and the brutal crime that many South African township people experience on a daily basis.
The winner who has been hailed as the ‘saviour’ of South African theatre and the recipient of the prestigious 2005 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama -dropped out of the University of the Witwatersrand-to pursue his passions in film and writing has been subjected to much controversy. |
Critics say he has violated standard operating code of theatre. He has ‘bravely’ invaded stages with highly contentious, off-limit topics of sex, real on stage violence, police brutality and teenage pregnancy and backstreet DIY abortions.
The reality –however is that extraordinary talented artist is candidly facing up to burning issues in post-apartheid South Africa- as well as his own demons. Abandoned by his mother -only to be reunited at the age of 14- Grootboom himself is a victim of domestic violence.
Contrary to the brutally honest writing tone and directing style-Grootboom is surprisingly soft spoken. Like so many great people he has risked it all to follow his dreams .Zenzo Ngqobe who plays Thabo Motshegare sums up his stance by stating that ‘he is not afraid to face issues that the politicians refuse to address’.
 |
This remarkable artist has broken the mould as he is a writer that can also direct- a rarity indeed. He works as a Development Officer at the State Theatre in Pretoria where part of his responsibility is to develop and nuture emerging talent. Several critics have observed that there is nothing that his cast will not do for him on stage.
Irene Chale who plays Thuli says ‘he is a great director as he creates awareness and that he provides a different edge.’
|
His tangible successes are clearly evident- his protégés Presley Cheneyagae who has been snapped up by Hollywood. Although he is not in London at present-his talent, energy and passion pulsate through Koketso
Mojela- undoubtedly the star of the show who has stolen the hearts of the British audience.
Grootboom insists that the production does not represent the whole of South Africa. For better of worse it represents the part I know.’ You are certain to experience a roller coaster of emotions when you watch this gripping show. The interwoven plight of desperate and damaged characters in a morally bankrupt township spiral out of control and into a melt down mode. A catalogue of themes interspersed with a broad selection of music emerges.
A desperate and overburdened police force unable to cope with the avalanche of heinous crime resort to brutality as a means of interrogation. The perpetrators are invariably victims themselves. Guns dominate. Drinking is a way of life in South African slums where unemployment is rife. Casual sex and promiscuity and are rampant with the youth.
Female concerns of HIV transmission and unwanted pregnancies are irresponsibly and arrogantly brushed aside by the dominant patriarchal township society. Divorce is inevitability. Domestic violence has infested homes.
The ultimate acts of brutality are portrayed in extreme acts of violence including rape, child abuse and DIY backstreet abortion. As one critic observed-‘this show makes Sin City look like paradise’. In typical Grootboom fashion he refuses to deny the plight of life in slums. He says ‘I never go home because that region has grown very violent’ A highly entertaining evening at the Theatre Royal Stratford East which has a lovely Pub with stand up comedy and specializes in Caribbean dishes. Make an evening of it.
Township Stories is on at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London [Stratford Station] until 11th November. It is accessible by Central & Jubilee Lines as well as DLR, overland and
Silverlink.
|
