The Hill

The Hill is a full-length play by Zakes Mda (1948- ).

Also called The Hill: A South African Myth.

The original text

Set in Lesotho and dealing with the plight of migrant workers in Southern Africa.

Mda received the Amstel Playwright of the Year Award in 1979. Published in two parts in Scenaria magazine, vols XVI and XVII, 1979(81?), later in The Plays of Zakes Mda (edited by Andrew Horn) in 1990 (Ravan Press). Again in the collection Open Space: An Introduction to African Drama (edited by Yvette Hutchison and Kole Omotoso, Kagiso Publishers, 1995).

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1980: Première production staged by the People's Space in Cape Town in February, directed by Rob Amato, with Nomhle Nkonyeni (The Nun & 1st Woman), Chris Baskiti (The Man), Moses Tsitsi (The Young Man), Joko Scott (The Veteran), Siziwe Kwebulana (2nd Woman) and Natie Rula (3rd Woman). Assistant Director was Nomhle Nkonyeni.

1980: This production was also staged at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, in April and in various township venues. Production photos of this production by Ruphin Coudyzer.

1995: Staged in the Market Theatre in March, directed by Philiswa Biko, with Job Kubatsi, Mokete Moketsi, Aubrey Moalosi, Felicia Mahambehlala, and Nandi Nyembe.