The UJ Arts Center presents the theatrical production Hlakanyana to mark the celebration of Africa Day on May 25.

Hlakanyana is set to bring folklore, award-winning music and magic to the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre.

READ ALSO: “Imbilini… my friend!” : A play about friendship and prejudice makes its Baxter debut

A TALE OF THE ZULU TALE

Directed by Janice Honeyman and featuring some of South Africa’s most promising emerging artists, Hlakanyana features a cunning and unethical creature, depicted in either animal or human form, who is the long-awaited son of a village chief – but instead of being a unifying force, he leaves devastation in his wake.

A retelling of the traditional Zulu folk tale, Hlakanyana is an Afrofuturistic fusion of traditional folklore in a contemporary world. Trickster Hlakanyana is an anti-hero, beset by isolation and navigating a rapidly changing world.

Many of the issues currently facing South Africa, such as gender-based violence, corruption, lack of mentorship and moral guidance, and uncertainty, are explored through folklore.

On a more personal level, the isolation and revision of people’s worldviews and growing dissatisfaction with the status quo also runs through the play’s storyline.

‘The stellar cast of HLAKANYANA

In its ninth draft, perfected by MoMo Matsunyane, Hlakanyana is ready to draw audiences under its spell with a stellar cast including Sandisile Dlangalala, Dolly Louw, MoMo Matsunyane, Sibusiso Mxosana, Manakomba Ndimande, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Mphumzi Nontshinga and Kensiwe Mathebula Tshabalala.

“Since its inception, the FADA Interdisciplinary Theater Program has facilitated the collaboration of sophomores across the faculty on the design of various elements of a professional production produced by UJ Arts & Culture. With Hlakanyanathis interdisciplinary and collaborative intent of the program has been embraced by extending these creative processes to a range of professionals including writers, actors, musicians, composers, dancers and choreographers to create the highly anticipated musical that we are thrilled to present in partnership with Madevu Entertainment,” said Pieter Jacobs, UJ’s head of arts and culture.

Hlakanyana will take place at the UJ Arts Center on the Kingsway Campus of the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park from May 25 to June 8. To book, click here