Umkhondo is inspired by Masimini’s own family story and explores the use of theatre and ritual as ways of healing the self and the community at large.
The Xhosa ritual of ‘ukubuyisa’ is at the heart of this production, something that is performed when the spirit of the deceased needs to be redirected back home in order to rest peacefully in its rightful place. Its purpose is to bring closure for the family by acknowledging the life of the person who has passed on. It is also done to bring healing to the members of the family and the community of the deceased or ancestor.
In this case, the work centres on the story of his paternal grandfather who died as a migrant labourer and never got a proper burial and whose grave was never found till today. His father last saw his own father when he was barely a teenager during the times of Apartheid in South Africa in the late 1950s.
The story is narrated through multimedia, poetry, drama, song and dance.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
A Story by Lulama Masimini as Writer and Director with contributions from the cast
Performers:
Phikolomzi Magongoma
Zanele Siko
Thumeka Mzayiya
Luvuyile Radu
Lulama Masimini
Musical direction: Luthando Mthi with Sky Dladla
Stage Manager: Mfundo Zono
Lighting: Sydwell Klaas
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Lulama Masimini is a masters graduate in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town. UMKHONDO was born out of his Masters’ thesis project.
His interest in the Performing Arts began when he was growing up in the Eastern Cape. He has written, produced, acted and directed a number of plays. This recent theatrical offering is self-reflective and was funded by the National Arts Council and was performed at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town during the lockdown. Apart from educating and entertaining, this particular work promotes healing through the interrogation of his family life struggles, including domestic violence and a quest for freedom during the times of Apartheid.
