MAXEKE. Presented by The Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, in partnership with The Ukwanda Puppets and Design Arts Collective. Director: Itumeleng wa-Lehulere. Writer: Buhle Ngaba. Star Theatre District Six Homecoming Centre (formerly The Fugard).
MEGAN CHORITZ reviews
The by-line of the play is ‘this work is not for ourselves’ and this notion, this feeling permeates the whole production, a biographical interpretation of the life and journey of educator, artist, activist and influencer Charlotte Maxeke.
Based on a script written by Buhle Ngaba, and handed over to director Itumeleng wa-Lehulere, puppeteers, performers, designers and music makers, this gorgeous production held me, moved me, and told me a powerful story.
The miracle of Charlotte Maxeke, who somehow, magically and against all odds, became educated and then herself became an educator, travelled overseas, and fought for the rights of women to get educated, as a black South African woman in the late 1800s is perfectly captured in this production. What she managed to achieve seems entirely impossible.
Vital, beautiful and meaningful theatre
A set comprising of sliding screens, imaginative and evocative visual images, and moveable drums for seats and puppets is clever and utilitarian. The lighting and music all add perfectly to the drama, but it is the performers who lift this story and make it beautiful and riveting.
All the performers; Noxolo Blandile, Babalwa Zimbini, Vuyolwethu Dunge, Carlo Daniels, Siphokazi Mpofu, Marty Kintu, Sipho Ngxola, and Ntando Ncume are incredible. They do not miss a beat as they move fluidly between character and puppet, and from manipulator to person. Hands, faces, eyes, head nods. Voices, gestures, singing, connecting. It all really works.
The costumes designed by Aja Marneweck are immaculate and describe the time perfectly. Both for human and puppet bodies. The puppets (main puppet designer and maker Luyanda Nogodlwana) are so good they are like double humans in my mind.
I had two tiny niggles, and that is because the attention to detail was so good. I hated the plastic pens, and the plastic sleeve for the papers. They upset me. But really, that is the tiniest peeve.
This production has a very short run, but it is vital, beautiful and meaningful theatre. Go, go, go.
What: Maxeke
Where and when: Star Theatre District Six Homecoming Centre 6 until 11 February 2023
Book: Webtickets
Photographs: Grant Williams
WS
