Reflecting on 1921 Bulhoek Massacre

It was below this mountain that the Bulhoek massacre took place in 1921. Picture: Myrtle Ryan

It was below this mountain that the Bulhoek massacre took place in 1921. Picture: Myrtle Ryan

Published Oct 20, 2021

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CAPE TOWN - To commemorate 100 years of the harrowing, Bulhoek Massacre of 1921, where 193 worshippers were shot dead for refusing to leave their mountain of prayer, eNtabelanga near Komani, now Queenstown, in Eastern Cape, Nguvu ya Mbegu...eNtabelanga is set to enthral local audiences at Theatre Arts in Observatory.

The South African State Theatre in association with Mud&Fire Parables will be presenting Nguvu ya Mbegu...eNtabelanga from October 21 to 23.

The multilingual theatre production performed in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, SeTswana, and Swahili, strongly draws its aesthetic from African storytelling traditions, incorporating dance, song, and ensemble work.

Some performances will be accompanied by post-production conversations, exhibition, and virtual talks.

Originally created by students at the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies under the direction of Mandla Mbothwe at UCT, Nguvu ya Mbegu…eNtabelanga tells the story of prophet Enoch Mgijima, his followers the Israelites, and the land on which the Bulhoek massacre of 1921 would happen.

The play is an excavation of the tragic slaughter on May 24, 1921, where the Union of South Africa’s police and army shot and killed worshippers, leaving many wounded and others arrested including Mgijima.

“The voices of Abantwana Bomgquba (the Children of the Earth) whisper into the ears of the present and future child, a reminder that they have never been alone. A reminder that it takes the weeds to grow the strength of a seed, regardless of the pain, and historical, racial and colonial injustices,” said Mbothwe, currently a senior lecturer at UCT’s Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies.

The production boasts a stellar team with names including Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre 2021 Thando Doni, internationally acclaimed choreographer Mzo Gasa, and award-winning musical director Zimbini Makwetu, to name a few.

Nguvu ya Mbegu…eNtabelanga will run daily at 7.30pm from October 21-23.

There will be additional matinee performances at 2pm Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets are R100 via: theatrearts.co.za/show/Nguvu.

Cape Times

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