UJ Arts and Culture is celebrating the 14 Naledi Theatre Awards nominations Hlakanyana -The Musical has received.
The interdisciplinary production was the result of the creative process and experimentation of the 2022 faculty of art, design and architecture (Fada).
Directed by Janice Honeyman, the play was written, scored and co-produced by Madevu Entertainment and headed by the duo, Zolani Shangase and Michael William Wallace with MoMo Matsunyane as head writer.
“Our production of Hlakanyana epitomises what we at UJ Arts and Culture stand for. Through experimentation and collaboration, we aim to showcase new voices and new stories. It is very rewarding that the hard work behind this production and more importantly, the determination to create under enormous odds has been acknowledged with these nominations,” said Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts and Culture.
As a production Hlakanyana is said to be a reflection of the turbulence of the Covid years. Despite multiple roadblocks like extended lockdowns, it still did not deter the forces behind its production who saw that five songs from the score were recorded and released at the end of 2020 under strict social distancing conditions.
“Hlakanyana opened our eyes to what is possible and how theatre can be made, it has been a long and exciting journey,” said co-founder of Madevu Entertainment,
Michael Wallace.
It was only in 2022 that Fada was able to reinstate the interdisciplinary programme and Hlakanyana -The Musical (now in its 9th rewrite) could be produced as intended, debuting on Africa Day.
Co-founder of Madevu Entertainment, Zolani Shangase, said they are excited about the nominations. The production was the type of creative experience that changed how one views their work as an artist. “The creativity, the innovative thought, the collaboration that emerged during the process was incredible and finally seeing the work on stage was so rewarding. These nominations highlight the importance of this production in terms of telling our stories in new, groundbreaking ways.”
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