The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday Life Correspondent
CELEBRATED theatre ensemble, Umkhathi Theatre gave audiences a riveting historical lesson on stage as they re-enacted the Umvukela wamaNdebele in the play Ihloka during Intwasa Arts Festival.
The play on the Ndebele uprising of 1895-96 against white settler rule managed to capture the mood, tension, hopes and defeat of the time with astute acting, a seamless storyline punctuated with enchanting song and dance.
Led by Dingilizwe Khumalo, a group of Ndebele amabutho were able to reorganise and stage an uprising though their actions prove to be tragic, it however, portrays the Ndebele as a brave. The play ends sadly with the natives surrendering after a meeting with colonial architect, Cecil John Rhodes, who threatened that going on with the war was suicidal.
The ever effervescent Ishmael Muvingi, who played the lead role of Khumalo, again proved he is one of the best theatre actors to emerge from Bulawayo with a thrilling portrayal.
His acting was to the point, voice colour and projection moving proving his mettle in the arts industry. Muvingi’s final exit after being shot during the war was more than convincing.
The only female member of the cast, Lorin Sibanda, who featured as played the role of Khumalo’s wife, Mantshangase, matched his male counterparts with ease. Her story telling abilities left the audience in awe.
Young Dalton Ngubeni showed his emergence among a new breed of actors as he switched from one character to another in a convincing manner befit of veteran actors. He was handed the role of Rhodes and narrator and in his execution of the roles revealed an actor to watch in the future.
Hebson Ncube played the supporting character of Sigodo Dlodlo with bravery. His language left many in stitches, mentioning words that many would consider taboo in public while Leornard Phiri (sangoma and governor) was at his comic best, producing stunts that elated the crowd.
Matesu Dube has not played the directorial role expansively but on the occasions he has, he has proved worthy and ably as reflected in the presentation of the play.
Technically the play had several interesting elements with sound effects that gave relevant ambiance, a set that easily relayed the various scenes while the lights also played a pivotal role as they marked transitions from one scene to the next and also helped to create the much needed mood.
