|
|
|
|
|
Truth is humanity's last hope
|
May 19, 2009
By Kgomotso Moncho
Nothing But The Truth
Director: Janice Honeyman
Cast: John Kani, Leleti Khumalo and Welile Thembe
Where: Market Theatre, Main Theatre
Until: June 8
Rating: ****
Nothing But The Truth opened to a packed Main Theatre, an attendance by dignitaries such as COPE's Mvume Dandala, and a standing ovation, which it has received ever since its world premiere in 2002.
This award-winning South African classic - also a feature film which won Best African Film at the Milan Film Festival as well as Second Best Film at Fespaco in Burkina Faso - hardly leaves one unmoved by its embodiment of compassion and its political truth.
Its brilliance lies in its human connection.
It centres on the death of an estranged brother which compels ageing Sipho Makhaya, his daughter Thando, and a niece he's never met, Mandisa, to face jealousies, betrayals and past animosities, both personal and political.
Dedicated to John Kani's brother, it is a story of sibling rivalry, reconciliation, love, loss; South Africa's political history; the turning point of an era and what it means for the common man; justice and the complexities of freedom.
This special run marks Kani's last appearance as Sipho, a role he plays with authority, humour and gusto.
The next actor to accept the part will have huge shoes to fill. It is through Kani's Sipho that sadness and laughter meet half-way.
Although affected a bit by opening-night jitters, Khumalo gave Thando that true Leleti touch and added integrity. Thembe's Mandisa could be a bit spunkier.
But these are trivial things when compared to the warm and fuzzy feeling the play leaves one with, long after the theatre's doors have closed.
Seven years on, Nothing But The Truth is still relevant, not only because it shows how the past continues to shape the present, but also because it is one of those things that remind us what a beautiful place South Africa is.
[Email this story...]
[Easy Print...]
|
|
