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Gcina Mhlophe Experiences Magic of DUT Children’s Theatre Festival

Gcina Mhlophe Experiences Magic of DUT Children’s Theatre Festival

Yesterday (Thursday, 02 October 2014), the 2014 DUT Children’s Theatre Festival showcased Fudukazi’s Magic, a story about just deserts set in the African bush.

This year’s Festival, showcased at the University’s Courtyard Theatre, Steve Biko Road, profiles political activist, author and renowned story-teller Gcina Mhlophe.

Originally written by Mhlophe, the retake on Fudukazi’s Magic was directed by Professor Deborah Lutge, HoD in the University’s Drama and Performance Studies Department. The production was targeted to pupils in grade 1 and up. Also in the crowd was the living legend herself (Mhlophe) who was spotted on numerous occasions smiling and talking to the young children.

The name Fudukazi is an IsiZulu name which translates to female tortoise in English. The story is set in the African bush with a variety of animals such as leopards, monkeys, zebra’s hyenas, etc. Fudukazi uses magic to transform the dull animals in the bush, adding a rainbow of colours to the coats of Africa’s wildlife.

Spokazi Poswa who plays the tortoise does an outstanding job of imitating the animal. She uses a relaxed tone, together with lazy movements, to portray the animal.

Forming part of the production was Genbia Hyla, with musical composition by Madlen Tzankova with young instrumentalists from the Durban Music School.

In an interview conducted with Mhlophe after the play, she expressed her gratitude to the University for acknowledging her as an individual and her contributions in storytelling. Mhlophe also added that no one tells African stories better than Africans and that they (Africans) should not lose their identities.

– Talent Buthelezi

Pictured: One of the scenes in Fudukazi’s Magic which was showcased yesterday (Thursday, 02 October 2014) at the University’s Courtyard Theatre, Steve Biko Road, as part of the 2014 DUT Children’s Theatre Festival.

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