Ukutshona ko Mendi: Did We Dance

Ukutshona ko Mendi: Did We Dance is a play by Lara Foot

Also found as Did We Dance! and Did We Dance: The Sinking of the SS Mendi. '

The original text

A play about the troopship SS Mendi, carrying the 5th Battalion South African Native Labor Corps who had enlisted to support the British army in the First World War, which was accidentally sunk on a foggy morning in 1917 - more than 600 men dying. Drawing on drawing from poetry, oral legend and historical records and utilizing dance, singing and symbolism to tell the tale.

Performance history in South Africa

2014: Performed as Ukutshona ko Mendi…Did We Dance at the Market Theatre in February and March, directed by Mandla Mbothwe with Warona Seane (Noria), Amandla Vakala (Auckland and Old Thomas), Lulamile Bongo Nikani (Spiritual Mediator), Mongezi Ncwadi (William), Nhlanhla Mahlangu (Daniel), Sanga Mabulu (James/Noria child), Xolani Ngesi (Jacob).

Sources

Lesley Stones. 2014. "Ukutshona ko Mendi…Did We Dance: Reviving the ghosts of history" (REVIEW) Daily Maverick 26 February 2014[1]

Ruphin Coudyzer. 2023. Annotated list of his photographs of Market Theatre productions. (Provided by Coudyzer)

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