STAGE actor Ntokozo Dlamini says the classic theatre show Woza Albert, which is set to open at the Market Theatre, is still an eye-opener for South Africans.
The theatre piece had a run early this year at the Market Theatre in Newtown. It has been brought back by popular demand. Featuring Dlamini and the equally talented Mncedisi Shabangu, the show is set to open on March 13.
Woza Albert questions what would happen if Jesus Christ (Morena) had come back to South Africa during apartheid.
Dlamini says though it was written at the height of apartheid, it is still very relevant.
"I am happy that the show got an extension. Woza Albert is a classic tale that was created during apartheid with a lot of hidden sub-tex. At that time there was no freedom of speech."
Dlamini believes that there are many reasons why people should see the masterpiece.
"The show was created during the apartheid era but you can still relate to it. When people come to the show, they will learn about the change and development that never happened in this country. Apartheid really united us, while democracy is dividing us."
He says apartheid crippled a lot of people physically and democracy paralyses mentally. As someone who has travelled the world, Dlamini says he has seen where South Africa is failing.
Woza Albert has featured actors such as Patrick Ssenjovu, Lucky Ngema, Siyabonga Twala and Errol Ndotho.
"They did justice to those characters. As a new person, you always wonder if you will pull it through," Dlamini says.
Known for his television role as businessman Korea in the SABC1 sitcom Mzee wa Two Six, Dlamini feels that local actors don't produce their best because they are overworked.
"Take soapie actors. They are overworked, that is why they do not offer viewers the best. Some actors shoot more than 10 scenes a day. Actors are artists, they need to show their creativity."
Dlamini recently returned from an international tour with Handspring Puppet Company. In 2009 he replaced James Ngcobo as the lead character in SABC2's Stokvel.
He also owns a theatre company called Jama Productions and will produce a show called Ikhalaya Lami.