The Dying Screams of the Moon
The Dying Screams of the Moon is a play by Zakes Mda.
Contents
The original text
A play about land and identity in modern South Africa, the play is about two women, one a former exile and freedom fighter and the other an Afrikaner veteran of the SADF (the apartheid-era army), who meet at a church in the Free State and discover that despite their differences, they share the same scars of war and the same desires to return to the simple pleasures of their youth.
Originally written in 1992 while Mda was a research fellow at Yale University, it was to have been performed at the Market Theatre during August/September 1994, using the working title of The Return. However, though performing rights had been awarded by DALRO, the production was cancelled but due to a shortage of funds.
The text published in 1993 by as The Dying Screams of the Moon.
In 2016 it was finally performed professionally, now billed as a collaborative work between Mda and director John Kani.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
First performed as an amateur drama festival by the North-West Arts Council at Mmabatho, directed by Siphiwe Khumalo.
2016: Performed as The Dying Screams of the Moon at the Mannie Manim Theatre, Market Theatre Complex in August, directed by John Kani with Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni, Ezbie Sebatsa Moilwa and Tinarie van Wyk Loots. Designs by Nomvula Molepo (lighting), Karabo Legoabe (set) and Nthabiseng Makone (costumes). It is performed by Newtown, Johannesburg, until August
Sources
Playscript held by NELM: [Collection: MARKET THEATRE]: 2007. 10. 9. 92. 2. AND [Collection: SIMON, Barney]: 2003. 90. 560. Go to ESAT Bibliography
https://www.inyourpocket.com/johannesburg/The-Dying-Screams-of-the-Moon_1040e
https://robynsassenmyview.com/2016/08/19/girltalk-for-combatants/
https://www.marvin.co.za/2016/08/14/the-dying-screams-of-the-moon/
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