The Sunday News
Thobekisiwe Gumede Sunday Leisure Reporter
INTWASA Arts Festival koBulawayo is expected to treat audiences to an historical succession play, UMbiko kaMadlenya, which promises to be a big hit in this year’s edition. Written by gifted playwright, Thabani Moyo, the play is an adaptation of a novel with the same name written by the late Manford Sibanda in 1981. The play is a re-imagination of the Ndebele tale which was set in 1871, two years after King Mzilikazi’s death.
It narrates the crisis that nearly consumed the Ndebele nation when it became difficult to install a new king.
The story also looks at succession, political greed and the role that women play in any political set-up.
Seasoned actors such as Memory Kumbota, who acts as Mbiko Masuku, Gift Chakuvinga, who acts as Mkhithika the adviser, and up-and-coming actress who is also a student at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Bathabile Dlamini who acts as Zinkabi, are expected to keep the audiences entertained.
UMbiko kaMadlenya is a narrative of events, which unfolds after the Ndebele nation had remained without a king for two years.
The immediate successor to the throne is Nkulumane, but he is nowhere to be found after he was “sent” back to Zululand by his father, Mzilikazi, who was angry that he was installed as king by some mischief izindunas who thought he had died while on their way to present Zimbabwe during the Mfecane era. The play assumes that Nkulumane was killed by his father Mzilikazi.
Mbiko, who is the most powerful man among the Ndebele, rises as the hero who rebels against Lobengula’s rule after he is misled by his wife, Zinkabi, a daughter of Mzilikazi when she told him the secret to Nkulumane’s disappearance.
In an interview, the up-and-coming playwright highlights the storyline and the relevance of the play even in modern politics.
“This is what happens in the bedrooms of leadership where women have power in influencing husbands in political set ups. UMbiko kaMadlenya is a relevant storyline in modern politics. It suggests that the person who has power is one who has the spear. It also touches on the prospects of the Ndebele trying to revive their monarchy. The question posed to the people, however, is who has the power in a state, is it the regiment or the laws that govern a state,” Moyo said.
Moyo added that it would be the first time the play would be staged and vowed that people were in for an exciting treat.
“So many people have been interested in the story with others having talked about producing films. I am very sure that we are the first to adapt and put it on stage. It is really a powerful story and people will love it.
“Those who are going to come and watch the play are going to see the power of the play when it comes to issues of leadership not only in Zimbabwe but in many other states,” said Moyo.
“I adapted the book and turned it into a play. I wrote it in English, so that it appeals to a much wider audience.”
The play will be one of the opening acts at Intwasa Festival on Tuesday and it is expected to be played again when the curtain comes down on the festival on Saturday.
