Bad Times Mzala

by Gibson Kente (1932-2004).

Also known as Things Are Bad Mzala.

The original text

An anti-sanctions play, utilizing a township musical style. The play features a character from the bundus (the wilderness) who is ambitious, courageous and aiming to make it big in the city. He does achieve his goal, but fate catches up with him.

In the play, Kente condemned necklacing, petrol bomb attacks and other violence by blacks against fellow township residents. Kente also preaches the power of education and urges reconciliation between opposing township political organisations. The play also had a message advocating human rights.

The play provoked the ire of the United Democratic Front’s cultural desk.

Performance history in South Africa

First produced in 1984/85. The cast included Duma Mnembe, Mingi Sebezo, Susan Teletshane and Bobam Catherine Willem.

Sources

'The return of Kente'. Mail and Guardian. 10 January 1997

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 Unpublished PhD thesis.

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