Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
Multi-award-winning ensemble Umkhathi Theatre Works has revived its acclaimed 2022 production, Bayethe Nkosi, ahead of a special performance scheduled for September 28 as part of the Heritage and History Day programme for O and A-Level learners at the Centre for Talent Development’s Performance-Based Festival.
The play was conceptualised by Nkosikhona Ndlovu, written by Thabani Hillary Moyo and directed by Matesu Dube.
Bayethe Nkosi is a theatrical production centred on the final days of King Lobengula and the battles fought by his impis against white settlers as they resisted colonial invasion.
The production reimagines the heroic historical events surrounding King Lobengula and his warriors, while seeking to correct misconceptions, preserve historical facts and promote Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Director Matesu Dube said the play addresses some of the misinformation surrounding King Lobengula’s role during the colonisation of Zimbabwe and serves as an important historical record.
“Bayethe Nkosi depicts King Lobengula as a brilliant strategist who fought to defend his kingdom against white settlers while facing immense pressure from both external forces and divisions within his own state.
“The production also pays tribute to some of the gallant sons and daughters of the Ndebele State who fought alongside Lobengula. General Mtshana Khumalo is one such hero honoured in the play,” said Dube.
He said the production recreates the burning of King Lobengula’s royal capital at Emahlabathini, explaining that the king ordered the destruction of the royal town in keeping with Ndebele tradition before retreating towards the Shangani River.
Dube said the play further explores how natural forces appeared to favour the fleeing king, frustrating efforts by white settlers to capture him. Through imaginative storytelling, it also portrays Lobengula’s final battles as having been influenced by spiritual intervention.
“In the final battle, the Ndebele warriors outwit the Major Allan Wilson-led white forces with remarkable military skill during the Battle of Pupu on December 4, 1893. The battle demonstrates that the occupation of Matabeleland was far from a stroll in the park for the colonisers.
“It also highlights the heroic exploits of General Mtshana Khumalo, reinforcing his recognition as a national hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The Ndebele forces wiped out the 34-member patrol that was pursuing King Lobengula. Mtshana Khumalo’s declaration as a national hero further elevates Bayethe Nkosi into a national theatre project that celebrates
Zimbabwe’s history. The play symbolises the beginning of a protracted resistance against the settler colonial regime,” he said.
Dube revealed that the production will also depict the Battle of Pupu, which marked the disappearance of King
Lobengula after General Mtshana Khumalo and his regiment successfully prevented his capture by the colonists.
He said the play also honours Queen Lozikeyi, who assumed a leadership role following King Lobengula’s disappearance.
However, reviving the production has presented several challenges, particularly replacing the late Ishmael Muvingi, who portrayed King Lobengula in the original production.
“The main character of King Lobengula was played by the late Ishmael Muvingi, so we’re working hard to ensure that whoever takes over the role reaches the high standard he set. Another challenge is that the actor who played Allan
Wilson relocated to the United Kingdom earlier this year, so we are also looking for someone to fill that role,” he said.
Dube revealed that following the September performance, Umkhathi Theatre Works plans to embark on a national tour, taking Bayethe Nkosi to audiences across Zimbabwe.
