Beating the Ground Rehearsal
ShowMe Pretoria was given the opportunity to sit in the rehearsal of the upcoming play, Beating the Ground at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
By: Letlhogonolo Ndhlovu
“Move that pot-come from this direction-the granny I asked for doesn’t take such huge steps!” instructed Paepae Mmekwa the director of Beating the Ground. As the actors took their place and the African drum faintly started echoing in the background, the theatre transcended into a village in Africa called Mantsha. The king of Mantsha village was killed in battle and a relevant heir was needed to replace him but she was still young so the people of the village began reflecting on the matter.
“We are trying to diversify Africa, we’ve incorporated into the play the practice of ubuntu and we are also appreciating African heritage,” said Pius Moyo, the co-writer of the play. He continued to add that, “you cannot tell an African story without adding what is happening and how we used to do things in the olden days.”
You cannot tell an African story without adding what is happening and how we used to do things in the olden days…
Lulu Tsheolo, the writer of the theatre production felt the need to educate viewers about the important role women play in society by making the heir of the village a young woman. The play evokes traditional belief systems of gods, ancestors and witchcraft through song and dance.
And in reflecting cultures in South Africa, our languages from Zulu; Pedi; Tsonga and Venda complete with salutations and the vibrating beat of the drums make the play so powerful. The show will commence a day before Human Rights Day, on the 20th of March 2014 until the 6th of April 2014, be sure not to miss Beating the Ground at The South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
Go to our Events and Entertainment page to find out more about Beating the Ground and other theatre productions taking place at the State Theatre.