Drugs take centre stage in thrilling new play
HILLBROW – A creative team of some award-winning names premier a new stage play in Hillbrow.
Stage production, Ulwembu, which has been described as ‘poignant’ and ‘essential’ viewing, affords local theatre audiences the opportunity to walk in the shoes of those misunderstood.
The production was opened to audiences at the Hillbrow Theatre, for three days only, by a creative team consisting of award-winning playwright and director, Neil Coppen; top local actress, Mpume Mtombeni; Kwa-Mashu-based community theatre group, The Big Brotherhood; and educational sociologist, Dr Dylan McGarry.
Be it people who use illicit drugs or dealers, or families of people who use drugs, this production tackles all the difficult topics.
Ulwembu is more than just a play, but an immersive social learning tool which brings together diverse citizens and civil servants into a transformative and transgressive empathetic space. It explores the many pathways into drug use and what pathways are available or could be available to get out of a drug-dependent life.
“If we want to respond to drugs humanely and comprehensively in South Africa, we need to first understand the interwoven and deeply connected nature of this problem. Our production strives to give this contentious issue a more human face and perspective. We call this form of theatre ’empatheatre’ in which we create an amphitheatre of empathy for all those involved,” explained McGarry, co-writer and producer of the show.
The play has received awards for best script, best director, best-led actress, best supporting actor and best newcomer at the Durban Theatre Awards. The cast includes Vumani Khumalo, Phumlani Ngubane, Ngcebo Cele, Sandile Nxumalo and Zenzo Msomi.
Read: Amy: Love, drugs, tragedy
