Sheila Chisholm
SINCE ancient times theatre represents space where people tell stories embracing the vast range of human emotions and experiences. Theatre also deals with historical and contemporary events, political protest, religious and secular issues. It’s the place where subjects, which might otherwise be taboo, can openly be aired. That’s where, in every corner of the earth, the great, established and emerging storytellers spun and continue spinning seminal tales.
Artscape’s Easter Festival, running until Saturday, serves to give young writers a platform to express important messages they want, and need, to communicate to listeners from diverse communities. They’ve chosen incidents – not necessarily of their own making – that have affected their lives. By combining poetry, storytelling, music and dance they’re interpreting “their spiritual and religious journeys to becoming whole.”
Said Mandla Mbothwe Artscape creative manager and festival director “With more than 40 artists participating in 20 various art forms and performance works we are seeking to bring society closer to understanding our spiritual diversity and religious practices. Simultaneously we are setting up foundations for future work.”
Secret Flames, part of a double bill with Limen, developed from the cast’s own ordeals. It focuses on the repercussions of Sindiswa’s (Thulisa Mayalo) decision to avoid telling her twin daughters Kholiswa (Asiphe Lili) and Kholeka (Sisipho Yvonne Mbopa) the truth behind their past and who their father is.
Now 17, Kholiswa and Kholeka are demanding answers. Answers Sindiswa, now 34, struggles to give. Her difficulty lies in her inability to express what it felt like when, at 17 years-old, she found herself pregnant, let down by lack of support from her spiritual ancestors, to the joy in finding support through Christians, the Christian church and its teachings.
Under Bulelani Mabutyana’s mentorship, and directed by Mbopa, Secret Flames was workshopped by the trio. However it is not improvisation. “Perhaps that was our starting point” said Mbopa, “but Mabutyana’s eagle and professional eye ensured our dialogue and action didn’t become self-indulgent. So our innovative 50-minute physical theatre piece remains as true as possible to our chronicle “
Although Secret Flames is aimed at young isiXhosa speaking teenagers, Mbopa is adamant “anyone will understand our message.” Its a message warning about teenage pregnancies and the life changing effects this has, not only on the mother, but also on her child... or, as in this case, twins. It is also about developing and holding onto faith in Christianity.
Told in flashbacks beginning when Kholiswa and Kholeka are seven, Mbopa and Lili are required to alter their voices and body language to authenticate growing up. Physical metaphor and symbolism are engaged to unfold Secret Flames– a tale about women for women anywhere and everywhere dwelling between village and city conditions.
With only a table, chairs and candles, rural and urban backtracks and a lighting plot devised by Mabutyana, Secret Flames relies on these young women’s talents to tell a heartwarming story about creating respect for each other – regardless of shortcomings – narrowing the gap between spirituality and the performing arts and holding steadfast faith in God.
Limen(Threshold) devised by Reverend Laurie Gaum and directed by Rian Vierman for a cast of three is a theodrama exploring the period between Lent and Easter.
Silent Flames and Limen are at Artscape Arena from today.
l Tickets: R100, 021 421 7695.