Combining elements of afro-futurism and magical realism, Take Me To Town conceptualised, written and directed by prolific thespian Thabiso T. Ramalla takes satire to another level in weaving a post-Covid, post-apocalyptic love story between “Qhawe” played by Moagi Kai and “Zinkwenkwezi” played by Nthabeleng Masudubele.
Though this love-story is central to the plot, the daily struggles (for things such as water and food) of the residents of Zikhali Shift Municipality are also depicted in so far as they relate to the wider struggles of the downtrodden, forgotten and unseen people. The scarcity of these basics in the mine-shafts and their accessibility in “The Capital” is something which serves to show how life can be vastly different depending on where one resides or what kind of access to power and priviledge one has.
In having the world of the play underground in a mine shaft, Ramalla places mining front and centre, as an industry which has been such a key driver of the South African economy, but which has also exploited many generations of the predominantly black and male local and immigrant workforce.
With the recent 12 year ‘anniversary’ of the Marikana Massacre (16 August 2012), this setting is apt and allows the audience to not only experiences the precarious nature of this back-breaking work, but also the bonds of friendship, camaraderie and comradeship formed by those who work each day to extract precious minerals from the depths of the earth.
“The Capital”, a symbol and seat of power could be a reference to film The Hunger Games, where the main characters just like “Qhawe”, where caught between their personal desires and the responsibility of leading the liberation and freedom of their fellow comrades.
With live musical accompaniment and well-choreographed movement which in tandem add depth, a sense of immediacy and rawness to the story, Take Me To Town is not only thought-provoking but also a stark reminder that those in power will exploit those without and that the task of liberation is never complete. In each of the characters who make up this talented ensemble, one sees why the unity of those on the margins is such a threat for those in power as “The Capital” comes down hard to crush a rebellion which it ultimately fails to contain.
Take Me To Town was written and directed by Thabiso T. Ramalla with musical direction by Sibusiso Mkhize, movement direction by Ernest ‘Ginger’ Baleni. The cast comprised Moagi Kai, Abongile Matyutyu ,Nthabeleng Masudubele, Darlington Khoza, Zethu Mphahlele and Refilwe Moletsane. Musicians included Nandi Zulu, Katleho Mollo, Mandisa Yende and Lufezo Bhovhungane. The production was on at the TX Theatre in Tembisa from 22 – 25 August 2024.
