The Market Theatre at the pulse of great storytelling brings XOVA originally produced by the South African State Theatre Incubation Programme. Written and Directed by award winning director Joseph Komani the production walked away with five Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Play, Best New Script, Best Director, Best Support Performance in a Play Female and Best Costume Design.
After a very difficult time with theatres being dark as a result of COVID19 lockdown the Market Theatre is delighted to welcome audiences back from the 4 – 13 December 2020.
“Ukuxova”, is an isiXhosa word denoting the mixing of dough for baking – is a metaphor used for process of raising a child delicately exposed in the narrative. Featuring all female cast Charmaine Mtinta, Zimkhitha Nyoka, Nhlanhla Dube, Gina Mabasa, Busisiwe Mazibuko, Nontsikelelo Mfene, Gomotsegang Rangwashe, J Sax and Nondumiso Mabena.
Set on a dry and dusty village on the outskirts of Eastern Cape, XOVA unravels the story of a young woman who comes from a heavily challenged family. She brings a child into a fatherless home. Her husband abandons the family after being retrenched from his job and he has no idea of himself being a father. His wife who is in her early 20s, is left to fend for her young family.
The story examines father absenteeism in the upbringing of children to highlight the brunt women carry in solo parenting. The resentment and loneliness the child feels due to having an absent father and a mother who is working twice as hard to make sure the child is taken care of. The child grows up with misplaced anger, she struggles with identity and psychological effects.
Joseph Komani’s XOVA is articulated with a text of Xhosa mixed with English, the body language and emotions carry the story in movement. “The story is told through song and movement, with a blend of a visual 3D feel, enhanced by elements of symbolism and minimalism.
“To tell a universal story with an African Language such as isiXhosa without using any projection of interpretation and have different audiences (white and black) understanding the story, that has been the highlight for me these past two years” said Komani
The Market Theatre continues its unwavering commitment that speaks to audiences in all South African languages.
NB: Language isiXhosa and English
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Creative Team
Playwright and Director Joseph Komani
Assistant Director Nyiko Sithole
Lighting Designer Wandile Ngcobo
Costume Designer Koketso Kekana
Sound Designer Nebo Mafabatho
Production Manager Sinethemba Cele
Performers
Busisiwe Mazibuko
Charmaine Mtinta
Georgina Mabasa
Khutso Godfrey Nkwana
Nonhlanhla Dube
Nondumiso Mabuza
Nontsikelelo Mfebe
Zimkhitha Nyoka
Age Recommendation: 16
Season: Wednesday 4 – Sunday 13 December 2020
Venue: The Mannie Manim
Performance times: Tuesday – Saturday @20h15 and Sunday @15h15
Ticket prices: Tuesday – Thursday R90.00 Friday – Saturday R150.00 and Sunday R130.00
To make block bookings, please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950
For further information, interviews and images, contact:
Lusanda Zokufa, Senior Publicist
Market Theatre 011 832 1641 ext 202 or 072 367 7867
lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za
Source: Website – MarketTheatre.co.za