Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
FOLLOWING the successful debut of Icala Lezinduna last year, Umkhathi Theatre Works is set to bring history back to the stage on Friday with its adaptation of SJ Nondo’s reimagined Ndebele Advanced Level set book.
The play, scheduled to be staged at the Bulawayo Theatre, is a collaboration between Umkhathi Theatre Works and the Centre for Talent Development (CTD), aimed at deepening Advanced Level students’ understanding and appreciation of the prescribed text.
The production recounts the story of Chief Gundwane Ndiweni, who controversially permitted the sacred Inxwala ceremony to be performed during King Mzilikazi’s absence, a decision that ignited tensions over royal succession.
It follows Chief Ndiweni, a paramount leader entrusted by King Mzilikazi to guide a faction of the Ndebele people in search of new land, while the King led another group with the intention of reuniting later.
As time passed without King Mzilikazi’s return, Chief Gundwane authorised the performance of the sacred Inxwala (first fruits ceremony), a ritual traditionally reserved for the King.
Blending traditional dance, music and praise poetry, the production seeks to present history in a manner that is both educational and engaging for younger audiences.
Umkhathi Theatre Works director Matesu Dube said the cast was eager to return Icala Lezinduna to the stage, noting that theatre remains one of the most effective educational tools as it enables audiences to engage, respond and connect more deeply with content than conventional classroom lectures.
Dube added that reimagining historical narratives helps transform learning into a memorable experience rather than a routine lesson.
“This play is based on significant historical events of the Ndebele people, and it’s important for us as a people to know our history. We’re staging this production for schoolchildren under CTD’s Performance-Based Workshops programme, as Icala Lezinduna is an A-Level Ndebele set book.
“Learners will have an opportunity to watch the story unfold on stage, engage with the characters, and enjoy the play more interactively compared to the traditional sitting and lecturing method,” said Dube.
He said theatre practitioners have a responsibility to preserve and revive history through artistic expression, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their cultural roots.
“History tells us who we are; it is the foundation of our society. As theatre practitioners, we must revive our history so that coming generations understand where we come from. We are custodians of our culture and heritage, and it’s important that we keep our history alive,” he said.
