DURBAN comedian and actor, Senzo Mthethwa, is all set to stage the sequel to his award-winning one-hander, Booloolu Uncle.
Titled The Return of the Booloolu Uncle, the new show is set to stage soon in Durban.
In the prequel audiences were introduced to Mthethwa and his colourful background. Born into a Zulu family, he was raised in a Tamil household with the Chetty family in Reservoir Hills, studied the tabla and is fluent in Tamil.
In that show the audience journeyed with Mthethwa – through a mix of narrative, hilarious comedy and some fine tabla playing – down memory lane, and experienced life as he knew it.
The actor received critical and audience acknowledgement for the prequel and walked off with the 2010 Musho Theatre Festival’s Audience Award and the Mercury Durban Theatre award for Best Solo Performance and New Performer (Male) respectively.
In a chat with Tonight, Mthethwa hinted at what could be expected in his sequel.
“Let’s call The Return of the Booloolu Uncle, the much- anticipated sequel to an interesting South African story. To us (he and directorial team of Kumseela and Koobeshan Naidoo of Dingalings Productions) it felt like we couldn’t leave it at the Boolulu Uncle. There were so many more rich stories to tell and share.
“We are back and have some unfinished business… funny business, I might add. It focuses on the funny experiences, the intimate family moments and moments that sound too outrageous to be true. Which adds to the intrigue. Just how far down does this rabbit hole go?” he teased.
Commenting on how he’s opted to play his story out on stage this time around, he said: “The story is taken from a narrative point of view, with me getting in to and out of different characters. There will always be music and comedy, that’s a guarantee. I also do my own stunts… the unions weren’t too impressed with that,” he joked.
With four years having passed since the prequel, Mthethwa said the new material has gathered over time. “It’s a mixture of fact and fiction. Some characters are people whom you randomly meet and leave an impression on you and who make you think, ‘that would look great on stage’. So we are always witnesses to life and the people who walk in and out of it.
“Kumseela, Koobeshen and I decided that 2014 was a good year to bring out the one-man act – also, while I’m still in the right frame of mind and physique… I dropped a dress size, that just doesn’t happen by chance,” he laughed, before continuing: “…but personally I have always wanted to perform at least once in my lifetime at The Playhouse.”
Directed by the Naidoo duo, Mthethwa has described them as “quite a dynamic pair”. “Kumseela and Koobeshen have the ability to tell a story with all the meat and none of the fat and keep it relevant and sharp. They are also scary, as they often say the same things at the same time when brainstorming… it haunts me, who does that?
“Working with the Dingalings has really shaped me as a performer and entertainer. I didn’t take what I did seriously until I met them. If anything, the thing I’ve learnt most from them is discipline and respect for one’s art, craft and talent. And be humble, it will take you further,” said Mthethwa.
Asked what his hopes for The Return of the Booloolu Uncle are, he said: “My hopes are that people leave the theatre feeling like better South Africans. I would like to do an extensive countrywide tour with the show. Possibly overseas, too. Many people are losing hope, I think we can help restore that through humour and fine storytelling…
“And also, if men can stop throwing underwear at me after shows. Its really difficult to explain to my family and fiancee why I have oversized men’s underwear.”
• The Return of the Booloolu Uncle runs at the Playhouse Loft Theatre from September 17 to 21. Shows are 8pm Wednesday to Saturday, with an additional 3pm show on Saturday and a 3pm show on Sunday. Tickets are R100. Book through Computicket online or the Shoprite/Checkers Money Market desk.