Multi Award Winning Xhosa production XOVA debuts at the Market Theatre for a limited season

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