Ityala la Mawele

Artscape Theatre is set to present the much-awaited return of Ityala la Mawele from 11 – 22 October 2016 at Artscape Theatre.
 
Having recently featured successfully at the National Arts Festival (NAF), the production was presented with a Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award and was one of the bestselling shows (top 20) at the festival.
 
Ityala la Mawele is an acclaimed isi-Xhosa novel by Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi, adapted by Thando Doni who also directs the play with Mandla Mbothwe. Performed in isi-Xhosa, the story is set in the time of the historical King Hintsa kaKhawuta, and concerns a dispute between the fictional twins Wele and Babini over their deceased father’s estate. As they are born on the same day, there is a dispute as to who should take their father’s place. This is resolved via a traditional Xhosa legal trial, held at the court of King Hintsa, who presides over the trial.