Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
As the Bulawayo Arts Festival (Baf) wrapped up over the weekend, lovers of the arts were treated to a rich medley of cultural expression, with theatre enthusiasts particularly thrilled by the première of Ipi Ntombi, a timeless South African musical reimagined for a local stage.
Staged at the Bulawayo Theatre from June 5 to 7, Ipi Ntombi, originally composed and produced in 1974 by South African writers Bertha Egnos Godfrey and her daughter Gail Lakier, was brought back to life through a collaborative effort between the Bulawayo Theatre Club and award-winning arts ensemble Khaya Arts.
Directed by seasoned playwright Sandy Bradnick, with Vusi Ndebele as the music director and Future Dube of Khaya Arts as choreographer, the production blended old and new, offering a fresh yet respectful take on the classic. Set construction and props were impressively handled by Candy and Amy Murrell, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
The play narrates the story of a young black man who leaves his rural home and wife to work in the Johannesburg mines, a common experience for many Southern African men in the apartheid era. Told through a vibrant pastiche of South African musical genres including imbube, maskandi, and jazz, the story unfolds with African traditional dance interludes that brought the stage to life.
Audiences were treated to standout musical numbers such as Ipi Ntombi, The Digger, Mother Mary, Imyeneni, Zimbaba, They Took Her Away from the Land, and The Warrior, among others.
Speaking after the show’s debut, Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu, the production’s secretary, said they were humbled by the overwhelming response.
“Ipi Ntombi is a collaborative production led by the Bulawayo Theatre Club, with creative input from Khaya Arts, particularly in the dance segments. We had initially planned to stage the show over the first two weeks of June, so when Baf came into the picture, we seized the chance to collaborate,” said Ndlovu.
She also highlighted how the production contributed to greater diversity on the Bulawayo Theatre stage.
“This theatre has long been associated with white-dominated productions. With Ipi Ntombi, which features a predominantly black cast, we’ve managed to create balance and open up the space to different racial and cultural expressions,” she said.
Choreographer Future Dube admitted that reimagining the 1970s play for a modern stage came with challenges.
“It wasn’t easy. We had to improvise and adapt some scenes due to limited access to original props and different cast strengths. But with a dedicated team, from costume designers to welders and make-up artists, we gave the play a contemporary twist while remaining true to its essence,” said Dube.
Renowned playwright and theatre advocate Raisedon Baya was among those in attendance and praised the production for its energy and authenticity.
“I first encountered Ipi Ntombi on video, then saw the film version and later a live stage version. I even had a cassette of the soundtrack. So, when I heard it was coming to Bulawayo, I knew I had to be there,” said Baya.
He commended the cast and production team for executing the three-hour-long play with flair.
“The play demands a strong balance of music, dance, and acting. The core cast delivered spectacularly. The dancing was vibrant and full of life. I loved the costumes, the colours were striking and helped immerse us in the story while reminding us that theatre is also about joy,” he added.
For those who missed the show’s première run, there’s still an opportunity to witness the historic production, as it continues at the Bulawayo Theatre from June 9 to 14.
