Asinamali

Asinamali ("We have no money") by Mbongeni Ngema and cast. The story of five black prisoners who tell the stories of their lives and their road to prison under the apartheid regime, it was inspired by events that surrounded the 1983 rent strike in the Lamontville township, led by the martyred activist Msizi Dube, in which the rallying cry was Asinamali! (isiZulu for "We have no money!"). A simply staged but powerful piece of improvisational theatre, utilizing sounds, narrative, mime and physical action in exciting ways.

First performance

First performed at the Market Theatre by Committed Artists, directed by Mbongeni Ngema with Bongani Hlope, Bheki Mqadi, Solomzi Bhisholo, Boy Ngema, Thami Cele. It was first staged publically in The Laager at the Market Theatre in May 1985, before going on a world tour and returning to the Market in December that same year. It then played at the Baxter Theatre in 1986, National Arts Festival 1988. It won numerous awards as text and for the ensemble acting.

Publication

First published in D. Ndlovu (ed) Woza Afrika! An Anthology of South African Plays by Braziller, 1986. Later also published in The Best of Mbongeni Ngema (Skotaville, 1995).

Film version

A BBC film was made of the British production and shown in England (but banned on the SABC).

Other stage productions

2013 Market Theatre

Played The Grahamstown Festival in Grahamstown in July, then The Barney Simon at the Market Theatre from 16 July to 18 August 2013. Directed by Prince Lamla, with Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu - Solomzi Menzi Biyela, Tshallo Sputla Chokwe, Xolile Gama, and Lungi Pinda - Bheki. Musical Direction by Boy Ngema, Lighting Design by Nomvula Molepo, Set and Costume design by Karabo Legoabe and Stage Management by Bongani Motsepe

Sources

Artslink.co.za [news0713@artslink.co.za]

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