Date: 26-27 July 2010
Venue: DUT Courtyard Theatre
Time: 6pm from 26-27 July 2010
Director: Sabelo Ndlovu
Written by: Sabelo Ndlovu and Genbia Hyla
Choreography: Musawenkhosi Ntuli and Ntombifuthi Makhoba
Technical Director: Luke O’ Gorman
Music: Nicky Romero’s Remix: Randy Santino’s Hydrogen, Jack’s the Lad from Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Edwards Elgar’s Pomp.

Synopsis
Fragmented Prisms is aimed at changing the perceptions of society through a global message of hope for humanity by depicting the different era’s South Africa has gone through to achieve democracy. The thought provoking piece showcased at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in June, questions our thoughts and emotions and the type of democracy we have achieved.

The different scenes reflect the transitions through colonial rule, the apartheid era and contemporary society and are carefully interwoven into the complex dramatic performance. Despite the serious undertone, the performance is colourful with good use of props and comes with a pinch of laughter. The characters’ personalities are captivating with traits that we can relate to, whilst they wittingly radiate the clash between traditional beliefs and post modernism. The story line focuses on contemporary issues including xenophobia, racism, social imbalances and the ever widening gap between the rich and poor. The play further raises questions on whether we live in an illusionary democracy and examines the role of government.

The main character ‘Man’, played by Menzi Mkhwane, is sent back in time, by a group of sangomas, to retrieve the lost souls of his ancestors. He is tasked to fetch the wandering souls, who remain trapped in the pages of our history, with the use of an Umphafa branch. The act signifies cleansing of the soul to help society find peace within them to restore humility to humanity.
The use of traditional adaptations from the Zulu culture provides a unique take on how tradition can be used in conjunction with post-modern beliefs to achieve common ground. The act of purging, a cleansing exercise to rid the body of contaminants, is used to illustrate that the mind and soul can be rid of hatred that stems from past injustices.

The plot creatively questions the perceptions and belief systems of different races and ethnic groups, inspiring public discourse. The play however, has an intended message which focuses on building a unified progressive society through forgiveness and tolerance.

For more information, contact:
Sabelo Ndlovu
Mobile: 072 7167950
E-mail: sabzzero@gmail.com

Lebohang Sibisi
DUT Courtyard Theatre
Office: 031 373 2194

Issued by:
Karishma Ganpath
Media Officer
Division of Corporate Affairs
Durban University of Technology
Mobile: 073 67 33345
Office: 031 373 2845
E-mail: karishmag@dut.ac.za