AS the proudly Zululand cast bowed to a rapturous standing ovation, it was a fitting end to a scintillating theatre production which left a capacity crowd spellbound from start to finish at the Civic Centre in Empangeni on Friday.
Death of the Emperor Shaka, written and produced by Zululand Observer journalist Wellington Makwakwa, depicted the life and times of the great Zulu King Shaka in a powerful and riveting dramatisation of family infighting and betrayal.
With this being Wellington’s first local production, there were no expectations – just sheer pride that a hardworking newshound would find the time, energy and resources to put together his debut stage show.
But my, oh my, were we surprised…..
Despite limited resources and behind-the-scenes challenges, the spectacle was fit for a global stage.
The gripping tale came alive with superb performances by lead actor Mthandeni Mbambo (Shaka), Nonjabulo Zikhali (Queen Nandi) and a talented home grown cast, the majority of whom are unemployed.
The show was intertwined with sensational traditional dance routines enhanced by the mesmerising solo performance of singer/songwriter Anella Ngwenya, contemporary dancer Nosipho Mkhize and narrator Nothando Mabaso.
Wellington now plans to take the production on the road to other towns in Zululand.
‘I appreciate the support received from the community and more especially the ZO team, who supported me from the beginning. I thank the City of uMhlathuze as well as local businesses for believing in me and supporting the venture,’ said Wellington.
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