The main theatre seats more that 400 people, while the other one can accommodate more than 100 people.

The seating arrangements are good for running workshops and perfect for community theatre works .

According to the producers as well as by looking at its past track record, the opening show, The Suitcase, originally written by the late academic and literary critic Eskia Mphahlele, will not disappoint.

The Soweto Theatre, which is situated next to the Jabulani Mall, has already got a line-up for its opening day in the second week of May.

Theatre director James Ngcobo is hard at work putting together what he believes to be a masterpiece for the ceremony.

The Suitcase is currently in its second week of rehearsal. When Sowetan visited the crew for a glimpse of what the public can expect, the rehearsal space was like a mental institution with lunatics who have just been admitted.

We witnessed that rehearsals can sometimes be intense and energy-sapping, with Ngcobo getting the actors going back and forth over and over again.

Ngcobo explains that rehearsals always look more insane to watch than the show itself, but emphasises that new elements have been introduced into the show.

"This time we have introduced Bra Hugh Masekela's songs to transform emotions on stage as the characters play them out," he says.

"There is also a scene that was originally straightforward, but this time around it is tuned into dance for the entertainment of the audience."

The dance is choreographed by Greg Maqoma of Vuyani Dance Theatre.

Maqoma knows his work and his respect for the craft can be seen in the manner in which he manoeuvres the casts.

He is patient, careful and has an eye for spotting a potential in an uninitiated dancer.

"This play is beautiful, and the dance will bring out the best in the play and actors. Most of the actors are not trained as dancers, and that means I have to be patient with how they interpret my vision," Maqoma said.

Former Generations actor Xolile Tshabalala has replaced Nxobile Sepamla for the role of Namhla, who plays the pregnant wife to Timi Ngobese, played by Siyabonga Twala (who played Paul Mashaba in Generations).

Tshabalala said: "I love the stage and I am glad to be working with James, who has the passion for the art. The dance does not come easily but I am getting there. Greg can get the best from anyone as long as they cooperate."

Mphahlele's poignant story tells of a man so desperate to provide for his pregnant wife that he steals a suitcase left by someone on a bus.

His action sets in motion a chain of frightening consequences.

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Thu May 23 08:13:35 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 26, 2012

Almy

Yippppeeee.....@ last....I'm so excited about our Theatre, it looks stunning.I'm filled with pride everytime I drive past Jabulani. Well done guys!
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

Vhamsanda

Xolile Tshabalala, one of my favourite actresses. It's time that Soweto theatre takes its place in the world. Big Ups !
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

Shredder

Kasi yaka
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

WordofGod

oh, i love this woman. very dignified...shame, my heart was so broken when his ex-boyfriend left her for his boss. eish, go jola mosebetsing le di boss nogaal! dont ask me how i know... cos bliv u me, i know!
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

Mafu'theNkukhu

@WordofGod
You should be 'wordofgossip'!!!
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

WordofGod

@Mafu
ah! where can one run to? i guess to God, cos He rescues His children... ke gore wena u expect me to scripturise everything as if am not human like you! tjo! Lord have mercy.
Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

blego

now is high time that sowetans put their productions.
remember ipi ntombi
marakalas
how long
snanapo AND MFOWETO
not
abo GENERATIONS HAI HAI.

THAPELO"S PRODUCTION 'SPIRIT AND BONES' BONGANES" USHAKA MUST OPEN THAT THEATER SOWETO PRODUCTIONS.PLEASE BOFOWETO

Report Abuse

Apr 26, 2012

blego

NEW TOWN YA RONA . SHIVAVA.CLOSED NOW SOWETO OPEN . YA MY LOVING SAID BRA GIB.
HOPE ONE OF THE THEATRES IS NAMED AFTER GIBSON KENTE. ESP THE MAIN THEATRE.
Report Abuse

Apr 27, 2012

Fancylibra

wow! i hope that it'll be in good hands
Report Abuse

Apr 27, 2012

WhatEver

About time...the City of Joburg is safe under the leadership of ANC...
Report Abuse

Read all 13 comments