Mix a bit of Hindu and Zulu cultures and what do you get? I’m guessing, the best of both worlds.
This is what you can expect in Senzo Mthethwa’s sequel to his 2010 hit show, The Boolulu Uncle. Almost five years later and Mthethwa is back with Boolulu Uncle 2 at the Catalina Theatre until Sunday.
A press release states that the sequel sees Mthethwa, pictured below, enacting more delightful stories from his experiences growing up as a Zulu boy in an Indian home. This Dingalings production traces his youth and takes the audience on a journey from a prayer to a funeral.
Tonight chatted to director of the play, Kumseela Naidoo, who explained what audiences can expect: “The play is a wonderful extension of Senzo’s stories growing up in an Indian home. After the success of first Boolulu Uncle, there were more stories begging to be told.
“The new show encapsulates all the pathos and joy of growing up in a cross-cultural environment. This charming story lends insight into various cultural practices in both rich cultural heritages of the Zulu and Hindu practices.”
In terms of the cast, Naidoo says the characters are very well rounded: “They range from school boys to the aunty who cures coughs with home remedies. The situations range from proposals to applying for a driving license, from the market place to a funeral. The characters are all entertaining and beautifully executed by tactful direction.”
With the interesting concept of merging two cultures under one roof, I ask Naidoo why this storyline resonates so well with Durban audiences.
“Audiences find these similarities so appealing because as South Africans, we are constantly searching for a common identity and it is so refreshing to identify these similarities of age- old practices. The end result is a collective respect for each other’s culture and an understanding that so many rituals and beliefs have common roots.”
What can audiences expect from Boolulu Uncle 2? According to the director, it’s a well-designed, charming story told with pathos and performed with great energy.
• Boolulu Uncle 2 at Catalina Theatre until Sunday. R120 at Computicket/Shoprite Checkers.