Directed by the Theatre Duo – Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana – J Bobs Tshabalala’s Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) is a look through the keyholes into the living rooms of pot-bellied men as they plot to hog state resources, all while preparing mispronounced speeches to the poor – keeping them helpless. None of us is safe!
This epic satire is a theatrical take on the conspicuous interactions and not entirely lawful activities of our modern day South African political camaraderie – Comrades. The play dissects the deliberate and interwoven manner in which the collaborative dealings between politicians and businessmen contribute to contemporary South Africa’s current chaotic political dispensation, as well as its perpetuation of an elitist culture of greed through the practice of corruption, utilizing the “game of words” or what one might call, “Comrade-speak”, that continuously reinforces the farce of socio-political revolution that is repeatedly promised to us, the masses.
The Theatre Duo’s emblematic approach to storytelling, their constant and intrinsic incorporation of text and movement, alongside their focus on interdisciplinary collaboration promises to make this a “must-see”.
Don’t miss out on this collaboration between three Standard Bank Young Artists – The Theatre Duo and playwright J Bobs Tshabalala.
#lekgotla23
PRODUCTION CREDITS
CREATIVE TEAM
Produced by: The Market Theatre*
Writer: J Bobs Tshabalala
Co-Directors: Billy Langa & Mahlatsi Mokgonyana
Assistant Director: Ketsia Velaphi
Lighting and Set Design: Denis Hutchinson
Costume Designer: Lethabo Bereng
Projection Design: Nikki Pilkington
Sound Design: Jannous Aukema
Movement Direction: Ernest ‘Ginger’ Baleni
CAST
Lebohang Masimola as QINISO NXUMALO
Anelisa Phewa as SQALO HOKO
Tshireletso Nkoane as TSEBO RAPOO
Xolile Benjamin Gama as RONALD MULAUDZI
Moagi Benjamin Kai as MXOLISI MTHEMBU
Artwork by Slovo Mamphaga
* This production is made possible through generous funding from the Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Theatre Duo – Directors
Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana – or The Theatre Duo, as they are affectionately known – are independent collaborative theatre makers. They have produced original creative and theatrical works in South Africa. Their work has toured most parts of the country and internationally including, Namibia, Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. Their work has earned them critic’s picks and multiple awards which include being the current Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners for Theatre, a Cape Town Fringe Fresh Creative Award for directing, Standard Bank Ovation Awards, Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Production for Young Audiences and Best Solo Performance, a FUSE International Award for Best International Performance [UK], an ICA Fellowship Award, and being an ACT (Arts and Culture Trust) ImpACT prize finalist.
J Bobs Tshabalala – Writer
J Bobs Tshabalala is an artist, entrepreneur, and dramatic arts teacher. He is the recipient of the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre, is an Arts and Culture Trust ImpACT Award winner, and is founder and co-owner of the Johannesburg based live arts production house, Kiri Pink Nob Arts (Pty) Ltd. This company produces straight plays, sketch comedy shows, poetry in performance productions and slams, stand-up comedy shows, and variety bill performance events (black music, readings, games, symposiums, etc.). He also works as a corporate facilitator, a performance trainer, and as a dramaturge. Tshabalala’s other play’s include POET.O.TYPE and SECRET BALLOT.
