Qinisela
Qinisela is a play by Peter Ngwenya (1956-2009).
Contents
The original text
The central theme in Qinisela is how children living in impoverished homes, as well as homeless children, suffer from the cold in winter. The play is about a child from the eastern Cape, whose parents move to the city in search of jobs, but the family becomes destitute. Subsequently the child is orphaned. The child is adopted and put through school where he subsequently becomes a student leader who inspires his peers.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
1984/85?: The play was performed at the Inkanyezi Youth Club in Moroka North. The play was also performed at the Sekano Ntoana High School, Phafogang Junior Secondary, the Methodist Youth Centre, Mafori Mphahlele Senior Secondary School, Anchor Senior High School, Ndodo High School, Orlando DOCC, and at Funda Centre.
1989: The play toured Europe with Thandi Mthimunye, Thoko Mbongwa, Sindi Mangwa and Busi Nkosi in the cast.
Sources
Andile Xaba. 2021. 'Collective memory and the construction of a historical narrative, analysis and interpretation of selected Soweto-based community plays (1984–1994)'. Unpublished PhD thesis.
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