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.

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

Performance history in South Africa

First produced in 1984/85.

Sources

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

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