Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Bongo Mei
Published on 2024-02-23 05:00:39
Makhaola Ndebele’s play Cantos of a Life in Exile is a multifaceted exploration of displacement, identity, and the discovery of self. The one-man odyssey transcends the stage, delving into the personal and political struggles of exiles within the postcolonial African context. Ndebele, with over 25 years of experience in various dramatic disciplines, has written, directed, and performs in the play. His extensive experience includes work as a theatre, television, and film actor, as well as a dramatist, screenwriter, director, producer, artistic director, and creative consultant. His work encompasses a diverse range of projects, from situation comedies to movies, drama series, and variety-comedy shows, including well-known television programs such as Nomzamo, Zone 14, Gaz’lam, and Dube on Monday. As a dramatist, Ndebele’s pieces focus on the personal politics of identity and liberation within the broader South African context, including plays such as In the Meantime, Lerato, and ongoing musicals such as Gone Native and Bantu.
Cantos of a Life in Exile, on stage at Cape Town’s Theatre Arts at the end of February, was inspired by the artist’s desire to explore the impact of exile on second-generation South Africans. With a focus on understanding the journey of individuals born outside their ancestral home, Ndebele combines personal stories with academic research using a unique approach called “performance auto-ethnography.” The play seeks to answer the questions of how growing up as a second-generation exile affects individuals and whether theatre and performance practices can help exiles find a sense of belonging and reconnection with their home and cultural identity. Drawing inspiration from traditional South African forms such as iNgoma, iziBongo, and iNtsomi, Cantos of a Life in Exile authentically portrays the exile experience and explores the healing power of performance for those who carry this unique burden.
The development of Cantos of a Life in Exile took about 18 months, and the play’s protagonist, born in Lesotho, spent his childhood in Lesotho, England, and America, and traveled Europe as an adult, making it an ideal setting to explore the concept of exile. In the post-colonial African context, Ndebele emphasizes the importance of revising the question of identity, calling for a harmonious blend of voices to reimagine historical narratives, celebrate diverse cultures, and nurture authentic expressions of identity.
Comparing television and theatre, Ndebele notes the unique and valuable experiences offered by each medium. While television provides a passive viewing experience, theatre immerses the audience in the heart of the action, creating a visceral journey that resonates deeply. As for performance aesthetics, Ndebele believes that the monologue, as seen in Cantos of a Life in Exile, presents a distinctive aesthetic influenced by South African traditions, putting the performer’s presence, raw emotions, and linguistic mastery in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, Ndebele’s next project will focus on domestic relations and their intersection with broader society. Cantos of a Life in Exile will run at Theatre Arts in Cape Town from 23 to 25 February, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the powerful exploration of displacement, identity, and belonging. Tickets for the performance are available for purchase, allowing individuals to experience the unique and transformative journey that Cantos of a Life in Exile offers.
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