Written by the late Gibson Mthuthuzeli Kente

Directed by Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga

Choreography by Mduduzi Mtshali

Musical directing by Zenneth Zenhlanhla Cibane

Performed by:

Sthandiwe Nyoka

Nkosiyapha Zungu

Luxolo Phikwana

Andile Khanyile

Sbongokuhle Msomi

Palesa Xesibe

Zuziwe Shozi

Director: Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga

Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga is a theatre practitioner, producer, and academic specialising in performance, directing, writing, immersive theatre, and arts management. Born in Qumbu (Eastern Cape), he trained at the University of the Free State, completing a BA (2019), Honours (2020), and MA in Drama and Theatre Arts (2024). His work is grounded in African ritual performance, decolonial methodologies, and immersive theatre, influenced by Credo Mutwa, Brett Bailey, and indigenous practitioners. He has created and contributed to works such as Umenzo: The Making, Pooling Echo, University of Ubuntu, Magcam, OPUS, and Return of the Ancestor, with performances at major festivals including the National Arts Festival and Vrystaat Arts Festival. Bonga’s practice extends to international collaborations and conferences, alongside extensive arts management experience, including founding the Mthonyama Arts Festival and coordinating the PACOFS Incubator. He has lectured at UFS and AFDA, and is currently lecturing at Durban University of Technology. An award-winning artist, he has received the Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award (2022). His current research focuses on immersive African theatre, with a long-term vision to establish an African Theatre Institute in Qumbu dedicated to indigenous performance practices.

Choreographer: Mduduzi Mtshali

Mduduzi Mtshaliis a South African dance practitioner and dance lecturer at the Durban University of Technology with a passion for teaching, writing, and choreographing. He graduated from the Drama Studies Department after reading for three years, with a National Diploma in Drama in 1999. After completing his Diploma, he danced with the French dance company: Duroure Dance Company and travelled to Europe and Africa. He has a certificate in Television Production from Movie Tech Film and Television College. He also spent a year at the London Contemporary Dance School in the UK after being awarded a Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals/ British Council Dance Scholarship. He completed a Certificate of Higher Education in Contemporary Dance at the University of Kent in Canterbury (UK), followed by reading for his MA in Drama and Performance Studies at UKZN. Additionally, he was an FNB Vita Dance Umbrella resident, followed by CROSSINGS, and won the Eric Shabalala Jomba award for his mentorship and training of young KZN talent. He performed and choreographed well-received works in Paris, China, Slovakia, Prague, and Budapest. On his return, he received an invitation to choreographed on the ANOC 2014 Olympics in Bangkok.

Musical Director: Zenhlanhla Zenneth Cibane

Zenhlanhla Zenneth Cibane is a singing specialist lecturer with a Master’s degree in Education and over 15 years of experience in the education sector. In 2023, she joined the Durban University of Technology (DUT) as a member of the Drama and Production Studies Department. Since she arrived at DUT, she has initiated a music ensemble as a co-curricular activity, aimed at helping students develop their singing skills and pursue careers as professional performers. Zenneth’s vision as an educator is to create and maintain a positive working environment where learning is exciting, authentic, engaging, and relevant to students' lives. She brings a thoughtful and inquisitive perspective to artistic spaces, consistently demonstrating respect for collaborative processes and a genuine interest in productions that explore themes of identity, history, and social cohesion. Her presence in these artistic environments is marked by attentiveness, insight, and a commitment to personal and cultural growth. 

Performer: Zuziwe Shozi

I'm Zuziwe Shozi from Catoridge, and I'm currently doing my second year in Drama Studies. I have two things I really love, and I would like to become. First, I want to become an actor—not just any actor, but someone who will be well known for her excellence and hard work worldwide, both on screen and in theatre. Second, I want to be a good musician who is able to act and sing. The things that encourage me to achieve my dreams are seminars, believing in God, and reading books. In terms of human inspiration, I have plenty, but I would like to talk about one, namely Thuso Mbedu. She proved that it doesn't matter where you come from, you can still be who you want to be. All you have to do is believe in yourself and work hard. I've had the opportunity to be part of some awesome theatre performances, including playing Sthandwa, a disabled child, in "Friends Like These" - a play that raises awareness about the abuse of people living with disabilities. I've also tackled the role of King Pentheus in "The Bacchae" and played Cousin in a children's play. My faith and love for learning drive me to keep pushing forward, and I'm excited to see where my journey takes me. 

Performer: Luxolo Phikwana 

My name is Luxolo Phikwana I am 20 years of age; I was born in the Eastern Cape e Bizana (Winnie Madikizela-Mandela). I am a singer, a dancer, a model and an actor, and am currently doing my third year pursuing a Diploma in Drama at DUT. I am very disciplined, and am always willing to learn new things. It doesn’t take me much time to adapt to changes and I love to be surrounded by people. I am inspired by people who overcome challenges and strive for success through hard work, and people who are unapologetic. My aim is to build a successful career in acting, modeling, and singing, where I can apply my knowledge and skills effectively. My goal is to continue growing and gaining experience; I have worked with many productions, including Department productions like Umhlaba uyalila where I was singing, acting and dancing; Too late, a show that was performed by second years; Memento Mori and Imbiza production. I have also been part of other productions like They would dance, Umlambo, Road to democracy, Bleeding wound, If you’re reading this it’s too late, Imihlola and many more. These productions helped me prove my capabilities and they also forced me to get out of my comfort zone.

Performer: Palesa Xesibe

My name is Palesa Xesibe, and I am a passionate first-year Drama student at the Durban University of Technology. I am qualifying in Performing Arts, specialising in Lighting, Sound, and Stage Management. I am originally from KwaMashu, where my love for live performance and storytelling began. My inspiration comes from my seniors in the department, the people around me, and the power of theatre to reflect real lives and evoke emotion. I also draw inspiration from the careers of actors like Thobani Nzuza, Wiseman Mncube, and Thuso Mbedu - artists whose work and reach I admire and aspire to. I have performed in departmental productions and also other productions, and I share a deep love for acting and live performance.  I am particularly drawn to scriptwriting and meaningful narratives that connect with audiences on a deeper level. My goal is to major in Scriptwriting and to craft relatable stories that give ordinary people a voice through live performance. My ambition is to become a playwright whose work tours nationally, telling South African stories that move audiences and open conversations. Through my studies and training, I have gained experience in stage performance, technical production, and character development, and I am committed to growing as a disciplined and dedicated artist. I believe theatre should challenge, heal, and connect us, and I am excited for every opportunity to collaborate, create, and tell stories that matter.

Performer: Nkosiyapha Zungu

My name is Nkosiyapha Zungu. I come from a township called Clermont in Durban. I am an actor and a dancer, doing my final year at Durban University of Technology (3rd year) under the department of Drama and Production Studies (Diploma in Drama). My inspiration is the late famous DUT drama students who used to study there, like Wiseman Mncube and Thembinkosi Mthembu. They inspire me to the point that they give me hope, courage, energy and ideas on how to tackle this industry of acting or the skills of acting. Seeing them this far in the industry or on television motivates me to keep pushing. I believe that if they were able to make it, then nothing could stop me from making it to the industry. My ambition is to be one of the best actors in the world, be one of the greatest actors coming from Clermont, and to give young upcoming actors hope for the future, and bring many stories to life. I have done theatre plays such as Too Late, Memento Mori, Fractured Bond, Bleeding Wound, Umlambo and many other shows. I have also done a screen on The Request.

Performer: Andile S’duduzo Khanyile 

My name is Andile S’duduzo Khanyile from eNkandla, and I am currently doing my third year at the Durban University of Technology, studying towards my Diploma in Drama and Production. I am inspired by my grandmother, consistency, honesty and the idea of making a difference in people who look up to me. My ambition is to become a storyteller and educate audiences through theatre. I have gained a lot of experience working as a volunteer at the Durban University of Technology, where I am currently also sharpening my skills as a Sound and Lighting technician. I am passionate about creating educational work that makes a difference and helps me improve or change people’s lives. 

Performer: Sthandiwe Nyoka

My Name is Sthandiwe Nyoka. I'm doing my 3rd year. My specialisation is Script writing, which I have a passion for, and hopefully it will grow and produce fruitful and meaningful stories. I draw inspiration from people around me. From the people who teach me all the way down to my peers. I love learning more than I know because to me, that means growth and gaining experience. I have performed in the department's productions and outside productions, as well as stage managing, directing and acting, and I hope to gain more knowledge from this experience. I'm looking forward to it.

Performer: Sbongokuhle Luyanda Msomi

My name is Sbongokuhle Luyanda Msomi, and I am 26 years old, and a passionate drama student, currently in my second year of study at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). I am originally from a small rural area - eMacambini - in KwaZulu-Natal, where my love for performance and storytelling began. My inspiration comes from my family, childhood, everyday human experiences, and the power of theatre to reflect society and evoke emotion. I am also deeply inspired by the legendary Al Pacino, whose mastery of intensity and character depth set a global standard for film and stage, as well as the legendary Sbusiso Dhlomo (portrayed by Menzi Ngubane), whose presence and excellence in South African television showed me the impact of a truly powerful performance. I am particularly drawn to physical storytelling, expressive performance, and meaningful narratives that connect with audiences on a deeper level. My ambition is to grow into a highly successful, disciplined and versatile performer, both locally and internationally, creating powerful and outstanding performances that deeply impact and inspire audiences in both theatre and film, using my craft to educate and entertain. I aim to continuously develop my skills and contribute to the creative industry. Through my studies and training, I have gained experience in stage performance, movement, and character development, and I am committed to growing as a disciplined and dedicated artist.