Actor has health scare - Mthombi collapses on stage

Staff of the Market Theatre, actors and doctors in the audience jumped on stage 30 minutes into the Animal Farm play on Sunday after one of the stars collapsed in pain.

Mpume Mthombeni, who portrays Napoleon, one of the two pigs that assume command and consider it a duty to prepare for the rebellion in the famous classic by George Orwell, had a sudden back pain.

The production, featuring an all-women cast, has been wowing theatre-goers.

Mthombeni was rushed to a private hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg, where it was determined that she had a muscle spasm impacting on her lumbar spine, causing her unbearable pain.

The show's director, Neil Coppen, said he had been working with Mthombeni for 10 years.

"The injury was not caused by the show itself. Mpume felt the pain when she was supposed to return on stage for her scene and collapsed. These things happen, and Animal Farm is a demanding show," he said.

"I want to thank the audience for their patience, kindness and understanding while we dealt with the situation.

"We are currently waiting for detailed information from the doctors about the seriousness of the injury."

Coppen confirmed that the performance would be back tonight at 8pm, and Mthombeni would be replaced by understudy Tshego Khutsoane.

Khutsoane will be filling in until the end of the run if Mthombeni does not recover in time.

"We wish our fallen comrade and friend the speediest recovery and are in awe of her courage and commitment in the face of tremendous pain," Coppen said.

Mthombeni yesterday said that she was discharged late on Sunday.

She said: "I am feeling much better today. But I still have pains in my lower back, especially when I am walking. Today I saw a physiotherapist and will go back again."

bambalelep@sowetan.co.za