DRAMA

UMABATHA



Welcome Msomi wrote Umabatha (the Zulu Macbeth) in 1971, inspired as he was by the similarities between the intrigues, plots and counterplots brewed by the Scottish clans and the machina-tions that took place among the early tribes of Africa.

The murderous story of a Scottish thane's greed became the story of Mabatha, based on the barbaric great-ness and awesome career of another warrior statesman, Shaka Zulu.

After its premiŠre production at the University of Natal's Open Air Theatre, the show then went on to perform in London and America.

REVIVAL

Welcome Msomi revived his Umabatha last year, when it was performed in Johannesburg and this production will appear in the Playhouse Opera from July 6 to August 2.

Of the 57 cast members, only two drummers, Dieketseng Mnisi who plays kaMadonsela (Lady Macbeth) and choreographer Mduduzi Zwane are from Gauteng. The rest are from KZN.

Patrick Tshanini from Ladysmith plays Mabatha (Macbeth) and Lawrence Masondo, who is Dangane (Duncan), comes from Mariannhill.

Both from Cato Ridge are Qed'umunyo Zungu who plays Bangane (Banquo) and Quondokwakhe Mngwengwenge who plays Mafudu (MacDuff).

MAGICAL FACES



Magical Faces

, written by Brian Way and directed by Pieter Scholtz, is the second production in the Shoestring Company's '96 season of plays for children at the Pieter Scholtz Open-Air Theatre at the University of Natal.

Magical Faces

teaches that laughter is the essence of life and this message is wound into an amusing script which includes much audience participation. Youngsters are given `instruments' to shake, tap or pluck; they make ugly and deadly-awful faces when the villains are about; and chuckle with delight at the clowning antics of Tickleaff (well-played by Paul Turner.

Patrick Collyer and Caroline Palmer play their villainous parts with awesome solemnity while Thahira Syed provides fun and bounce as the young girl who has the audacity to laugh in a town where laughter is forbidden.

Magical Faces

runs every Saturday afternoon at 14h30 and tickets are available at the door from 13h30.

Enquiries to 81-1617.

MASTERCLASS



Pieter Toerien's production of Master Class has received standing ovations and high praise, particularly for Jana Cilliers' performance as the legendary diva, Maria Callas.

Master Class

, is written by Terrence McNally and in this production is directed by Mark Graham with lighting by Jannie Swanepoel. It is set in New York's Julliard School of Music where the diva is holding a masterclass with three singers played by Gina Shmukler, Jocelyn Broderick and Pierre du Toit. Tony Bentel plays the accompanist.

Flashbacks include recordings of the real Callas and reveal the opera singer's past, personality and lovelife as well as her approach to her craft.

TONY

Master Class

, which received a Tony Award, is Terrence McNally's second play about Callas.

It will run from July 19 to 30 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre after appearing at the Grahamstown Arts Festival. Performances are nightly at 20h00 (July 20 and 27 at 17h00). Tickets at R45.

The play goes on to the Hilton College Theatre from August 1 to 3.

GREEK CLASSIC PLAY



The Nexus Theatre Group will present Oedipus the King at the Pieter Scholtz Open Air Theatre from July 1 to 4 at l8h30. This professional production blends the power and traditions of classical Greek theatre with music, dance and movement. This combination of the new and the old is said "to make this a magnificent piece of drama."



MORE LUNATIC FRINGE



Sessions of stand-up comedy continue with The Lunatic Fringe in the Playhouse Cellar each Monday evening.

Master of ceremonies Patrick Hyland, says, with tongue firmly in cheek: "It's been a long hard road, periods of excite-ment, interspersed with the routine of blackmail, corruption, grand larceny and death-threats."

The doors open at 19h00, the action starts at 20h00 with admission at R10. The bar is open. Further details from Patrick on 304-3631 or 21-9798.

ST JAMES COMEDY



The St James Drama Group's production of the comedy, Sailor Beware, directed by Joan Robinson and Di Carruthers is scheduled for July 12 and 13, July 14 (matinee for senior citizens) and July 19 and 20. Performances will be held in St James Church Hall in Venice Road.