CWAKA. Conceived and directed by Qondiswa James. Co-written by the artistic team. Performed by Tankiso Mamabolo and Namisa Mdlalose. Music by Sibahle Sky Dladla. Sound Design by Gugulethu Duma. Set Design and lighting by Themba Stewart. Photos by Jesse Kramer. Theatre Arts, 2mApart Festival.
MEGAN FURNISS reviews
Qondiswa James (and Themba Stewart) succeeded in transforming the Theatre Arts space again. We filed in and took up our socially distanced seats on the two long sides of the hall, facing a maze of rostra and screens. This 3rd production in the 2mApart Festival of new work is totally different from the two proceeding it and serves as testimony to the strength of ideas, and commitment to the creating of new work in the most challenging of times.
The blurb for the piece reads: Twin sisters in their late 20s, have grown up estranged from each other. When their birthmother goes missing, they begin to share dreams and must rescue their mother from a fear demon in the ancestral realm together. Unfortunately, I forgot that I had read this the moment I sat down, and it would have been useful to be reminded of this brilliant concept while I watched the piece, which is symbolic, poetic and visceral, rather than linear and narrative.
Huge with brilliant ideas
This piece is huge, with brilliant ideas, powerful and extraordinary performances by Tankiso Mamabolo and Namisa Mdlalose and some touching and even radical and scary moments. Some of the shadow puppet work is beautiful too.
While there was so much there I loved, I felt that this was the first draft of the work. It is much bigger, and deserves more time, resources, development, money, and even a technical crew. It’s the kind of work that needs patronage and investment and I want to see what happens to it after it gets the kind of attention and input it deserves.
Go and see it and imagine what our Department of Arts and Culture could be supporting and funding instead.
What: Cwaka
Where and when: Theatre Arts, Observatory from 22 to 25 October 2020
Book: Theatre Arts website
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