Tea for two at the National Arts Fest

Kemble Elliot and Angelina Kunene

Penned by Johannesburg-based playwright, Kemble Elliott, the play chronicles the relationship between a woman and her domestic worker. It details the heartfelt conversations which took place between the two over a period of years, always over a cup of Five Roses tea at the kitchen table.

The extraordinary friendship developed between recently married schoolteacher, Elliott, and Angela Kunene, the reserved Zulu woman, when Kunene came to work for her. The story unfolds on many levels, some of which one hopes never to have to face, such as when Kunene is diagnosed as HIV positive. It is a moving and ultimately triumphant journey, which celebrates the ways in which the time honoured tradition of taking tea brings friends and family together.

View from the tea garden

Brand manager for Five Roses, Debbie Shepard was delighted to be involved in the festival this year, as it is entirely appropriate to the commitment of the brand to find the romance in everyday life. "This play, and in fact the arts at large, illustrate our positioning - which is all about taking time out to see the beauty in the small things," she says. "It was also a pleasure for the brand to make Kemble Elliott's dream of taking her play to the National Festival of the Arts come true."

Five Roses will be supporting their involvement in the play by hosting a tea garden at the festival, where visitors are welcome to sample the Five Roses tea range in between plays.

On stage

The play is being directed by Yvette Hardie, while Frances Marek and Ntomboxolo Makhutshi bring the two characters to life on stage. 'Between Cup and Lip' will be presented at the Princess Alice Hall and is part of the Cape Town Edge collaboration of six productions. It is based on the book "'Twixt Cup and Lip - Biography of a Relationship", which has been published to coincide with the play and will be launched at the same time. BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) also assisted with the funding of the play.

"The ultimate purpose of the play is to build a house for Angela," comments Elliott. "Once our costs have been covered, the proceeds will go towards realising that goal."

The Market Theatre has called the play "...a powerful depiction of a relationship between two women that still has the ability to appeal to both genders. Although it looks back on the past it also addresses current issues in the South African milieu ... and is thus relevant to our immediate context."

For more information on the festival, visit: http://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/