×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Moving forward with the past

going deep: Bogosi Kenny Bolokwe's play 'The Way We Heal' looks at issues affecting African cultures PHOTO: Bafana Mahlangu
going deep: Bogosi Kenny Bolokwe's play 'The Way We Heal' looks at issues affecting African cultures PHOTO: Bafana Mahlangu

WITH The Way We Heal, theatre director Bogosi Kenny Bolokwe tackles an issue of African spiritualism and the process of self-realisation.

The play, currently on at the Soweto Theatre, is written by cultural activist and literature exponent Dr Wally Mongane Serote.

It features actors like Lennox Sibisi, Freedom Mswane, Matshidiso Mokoka, Mosoeu Ketlele and Thuli Nokia Semela.

The play is an extract from Serote's anthology document about African Spiritualism, which was presented to the African Diaspora Summit in 2012.

Born in Tlhabane near Rustenburg 48 years ago, Bolokwe explains that they are not only dealing with the issue of ancestors.

"We deal with a lost soul and the process of Ukuthwasa [heading the call] and highlighting the link between God and ancestors."

The play premiered at the Windybrow Theatre last year and enjoyed a positive response. He says the play is more relevant because today's youth are faced with identity crises and have no interest in culture and traditions.

"This play shows how we have lost our sense of ubuntu and traditions. The world will never respect us if we do not know where we are going. Children today don't even want to speak their mother tongues," he explains.

After a season at the Soweto Theatre, the play is set to open at Mmabana Cultural Centre in Mahikeng before heading to Canada, Botswana, Mozambique and Lesotho.

l Catch The Way We Heal at Soweto Theatre until Sunday.

 

For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.