AFTER all the drama at Windybrow Theatre last year the institution is starting the year on a different note.

The theatre, in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, has been struggling to attract audiences for years.

With a new show Umshado, the it hopes to revive the place.

Produced by Bogosi Bolokwe the play opens on Wednesday and runs until February 7.

This illuminating and entertaining musical outing, which has been critically acclaimed for its beautiful dancing and fine choreography, will run at the Windybrow's Main Theatre.

Umshado, which means wedding, features a large cast and band, under the expert guidance of musical director Eddie Mathiba and choreographer Thulani Sibisi.

The show explores a young man's physical and mental journey from his rural roots to the sprawling shantytown of Mamelodi in Pretoria.

The narrative follows his rites of passage from initiation to marriage through the music and dance forms that are such an important part of Nguni, Sesotho and Tswana heritage.

Inspired by various cultures from the marabi-influenced indunduma urban dance, the show will take theatre lovers down memory lane.

The show's music has been composed by Mthandeni Mvelase, a self-taught instrumentalist who has worked with the likes of Mbongeni Ngema and Jabu Khanyile.

While playwright Bolokwe is a product of the Gibson Kente School of Acting in Dube, he has worked on a number of productions, including Umoja and Idols.