Let them eat Zakes

Eugene Yiga: The Mother of All Eating is described as a one-man satire exploring the unfortunate culture of corruption known as eating. Could you tell us more?

Zakes Mda: It explores the debilitating culture of corruption where government officials are paid kickbacks for contracts and tenders, and the dire results of such practices.

EY: And what inspired you to write it?

ZM: I was in Lesotho at the time, observing the corruption that was happening there. The play was informed by real-life situations and incidents. But, of course, it is fictional.

EY: How do you expect local audiences to respond?

ZM: Although the play was first performed 22 years ago in Lesotho, it remains relevant to this day and will be relevant for all times because it is first and foremost about human beings and their foibles. It is a human interest story and the human condition is universal. The play will therefore resonate with audiences in South Africa and everywhere else in the world it is performed.

EY: And is there a message you'd like to leave audiences with?

ZM: The message is in the play itself. It is not for the writer to interpret his work for the reader or audience. Audiences prefer to work for their lunch and make their own decisions on things like messages of any work of art. It is even more fun for the writer when different people get different messages from a work of art.

The Mother of All Eating (PG-13) is at Joburg's Market Theatre until 1 June. Book at Computicket.