Sizwe Banzi is alive and well

Some may have seen the 1972 version of the play by Athol Fugard, written collaboratively with two of South Africa's most acclaimed dramatists and actors, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, who appeared in the original ground-breaking production. In 1974, both actors took the play to its world premières in the UK and New York City, winning both a London Theatre Critics Award for the Best Play of 1974 as well as both actors sharing a Tony Award for Best Actor.

The current production sees John Kani direct with his son, Atandwa Kani @AtandwaKani in the role which he himself made famous 43 years ago.

Atandwa Kani (left) and Mncedisi Shabangu in Syracuse Stage’s Sizwe Banzi is Dead. Photo by Ruphin Coudyzer

In 2015, Kani the younger's riveting performance and charm as Styles, a man who resigns from the indignity of a production line job at the Ford factory in Port Elizabeth to start his own business as a photographer, is as visually captivating as it is intelligent, and had the audience participating, applauding and laughing aloud. Mncedisi Shabangu's stage presence as Robert Zwelinzima is also electrifying from the moment he enters Styles' studio to have his photograph taken, setting in motion a series of iconic theatrical moments, which tell the story of Sizwe Banzi and how he comes to be dead.

Economic and psychological damage

Both actors milk every moment for dramatic nuance, no detail of which was missed by the audience. In this, the comic timing of both actors is perfect and the discovery that the indiginities of apartheid laws on the lives of the two men is disguised within the humour make it all the more poignant. The script gradually reveals the economic and psychological damage inflicted on the characters and their suppressed anger caused by their exposure to the Pass Law, influx control, homelands' policies, single men's hostels, migrant labour and the litany of other apartheid policies, which are woven into the script.

There is irony in the fact that in 1976 Kani and Ntshon, had been arrested by the secret police and detained in solitary confinement for 23 days, only being released because of massive demonstrations by the arts fraternity all over the world.

If you missed the original show or its 2006 remake, you have to see it now to understand why Sizwe Banzi is Dead is still alive and well and bringing a completely mixed demographic audience to its feet after 43 years.

An icon of South Africa's dramatic heritage, Sizwe Banzi is not to be missed. At the Baxter Theatre from 19 August to 12 September.

Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted corporate, schools or block bookings, charities or fundraisers, contact Sharon on +27 (0)21 680 3962, email az.ca.tcu@draw.norahs or Carmen on +27 (0)21 680 3993, email az.ca.tcu@snraek.nemrac

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