AMAXELEGU. Written and directed by Qondiswa James, with Greg Homann. Cast: Qondiswa James, Luxolo Ndabeni and Peggy Mongoato. Magnet Theatre.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Amamxelegu roughly translates as “messy people”, and there is indeed a lot of disarray in Qondiswa James’ latest play. There’s the untidy state of the set, for a start – heaps of clothes and towels scattered randomly around the stage. Then there’s the sloppiness of the two main characters, who are not averse to leaving sex toys and condoms lying about. But mostly, there’s the messiness of their relationships, the chaotic and complex business of negotiating contemporary connections in a world where both the personal and the political are anything but tidy. How to define – and redefine – one’s space within the flux of now and the force of history?
James’ production is set in Cape Town, focusing on two people who meet via Bumble. Their interaction, cleverly communicated by text messages, explores their current reality within the context of politics, social action, sexuality and choice. Thabisa (James) and Azola (Luxolo Ndabeni) are young, middle class Black people who profess to subscribe to an ideology of free love. But they have more than a physical link – Azola’s mother, Mama Priscilla (Peggy Mongoato) is also employed as Thabisa’s domestic worker. How does her life – the continuous cycle of trying to clean up mess, the endless commuting to Sisyphean ends – intersect with ideals of love and care?
Compellingly performed production
The basic but perfectly suited set by Lungiswa Joe and the atmospheric soundscape by Jannous Nkululeko Aukema help convey the intimacy of the production.
Amamxelegu is a compellingly performed production, sustained by three actors whose intensity never wavers across its 90-minute runtime. The play deftly navigates the tension between past and present, weaving together enduring concerns with sharply contemporary themes. In doing so, it feels distinctly South African in texture and voice, yet resonates with a universality that reaches far beyond its immediate setting.
What: Amaxelegu by Qondiswa James
Where and when:
- Performances at Magnet Theatre (Corner Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads in Observatory, Cape Town):
18, 19, 20 March at 19h00
21 March at 14h00
Tickets cost R180 / R150 for group booking
Bookings at Webtickets
- The performance at the Azande Theatre in Khayelitsha (Makhaza, 4 Sivivane Cres, T3-V5, Cape Town, 7784) on 22 March is at 18h00.
Tickets cost R80.
Bookings can be made at Webtickets.
WS
