DIRECTORS Roel Twijnstra and Jerry Pooe are known for their stage adaptations of popular classic novels like Zakes Mda’s Madonna of Excelsior and Ben Okri’s The Famished Road.
After a brief debut in June, the duo bring their latest work, Mine Boy, adapted from Peter Abrahams’ novel, to the Durban stage this week for a short season.
The directors have teamed up with Flatfoot Dance Company choreographer Sifiso Majola.
According to a press release, Mine Boy is considered the first modern South African novel written by a black author. It explores themes of apartheid, labour and poverty.
Tonight caught up with actress Philisiwe Twijnstra, who plays a shebeen queen: “I play a woman called Leah, who is quite popular. She has a heart for strangers and provides a home for people who come from far away. She is fearless. She sells alcohol and bribes a lot of policemen,” she quipped.
“It is believed that back in the day, in a township, to get away from the troubles you faced, you’d go to a shebeen or tavern, and Leah’s is that kind of place. It’s all about the music and dance. There’s no politics and no worries there. So, in a way, she brings them joy,” she added.
Twijnstra said although written in 1949, the themes of Mine Boy were still a reality today: “When I read the book, I immediately recognised the characters. I knew them because I grew up in Tembisa. And even today they are there in our townships. This book was written in 1949, but the characters and this story are still relevant.”
Of the importance of paying homage to South African stories on the stage, Twijnstra said: “I think that when we honour our own classics, it motivates young writers to tell their own stories too.
“It proves we also have special stories to tell. The best story to tell is your own. I believe in originality. I believe people should continue writing and not be ignorant of the value of their own stories.”
She added: “This whole process has been a learning curve. I’ve really enjoyed working with the Flatfoot dancers and choreographer Sifiso Majola. The collaboration with the students (at the University of KZN) has been quite a learning curve – it’s nice to be learning from each other.”
• Mine Boy runs at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from tomorrow to Saturday at 7pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets are R50, students R30 on presentation of student cards, at Computicket or at the door.