Not only unique to eMzansi but also relevant from a global perspective, CONFLICT is a music & movement drama that tells the story of Sipho Dlamini, a lawyer who clashes with Thami, a prosecutor in intense and revealing encounters where it is evident that both individuals are going through life’s trials and tribulations.
Written by Mhlaba Buthelezi and Muzi Masikane, the underpinning theme of the piece is tragedy that has its roots in early childhood. With nostalgic and melancholic melodies, the music score artistically drives the emotive script and gripping movement and physical theatre from the opening number till the last showstopper that epitomises youthful innocence and hope in tragedy.
CONFLICT premieres at the 2023 National Arts Festival.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Creative Team
STORY – Mhlaba Buthelezi & Muzi Masikane
SCRIPT – Muzi Masikane
SCRIPT EDITOR – Mhlaba Buthelezi
MUSIC DIRECTOR – Mhlaba Buthelezi
STAGE DIRECTOR – Muzi Masikane
LIGHTING DESIGNER – Wandile Mgcodo
Performers
ADVOCATE – Melusi Nhleko as Sipho Dlamini
DETECTIVE & MAGISTRATE – Solomon Nkuna as Thami Baloyi
VOCALIST – Nonhlanhla Mbatha
VOCALIST – Intle Mxego
VOCALIST – Ntokozo Tungata
VOCALIST – Lehlogonolo Sadire
VOCALIST – Mhlaba Buthelezi
KEYBOARD – Benny Mthethwa
DRUMS / PERCUSSION – Tshegofatso Khunwane (TK)
BASS – Mohau Monageng
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Mhlaba Buthelezi
Composer and Music Director, Mhlaba Buthelezi (B-Mus, M-Mus, PGCHE) is a lecturer at the Department of Performing Arts – Arts and Design Faculty of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). A performer, music director, composer, and producer, Mhlaba is a creative artist who has penned over fifty songs from his own text and libretto. In the industry, he has worked with Jerry Pooe, Thuthuka Sibisi, Gregory Maqoma, Philip Miller, and William Kentridge. Mhlaba’s creative approach in entrenched in the appreciation and interpretation of indigenous culture, tradition, and lifestyle which he depicts through tone, setting, and soundscape. Founder and Artistic Director of Luyandza Academy, Mhlaba facilitates artistic development / training and performing opportunities for performers and music practitioners.
Muzi Masikane
Muzi Masikane is the founder and chairperson of Performing Arts Institute Organisation (PAIO) which empowers the youth with performance skills and opportunities. A masterful physical theatre practitioner, actor, narrator, poet, facilitator, dramaturge, and director, Muzi is one of the South African State Theatre (SAST) award winning dramaturge & fieldworker of Maono Production under Mayibuye Community Festival. Late 2022 he was assistant choreographer of ASKARI directed by award winning Sello Amos Maseko at SAST. A graduate who holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Performing Arts from TUT, Muzi is currently enrolled for Master of Performing Arts degree at the same institution.
