Truth in Translation
Truth in Translation is a stage play by Michael Lessac (1940-) and Tom Tammi (1945-)[1], with music by Hugh Masekela (1939-2018).
Contents
The original text
Conceived and written by Lessac and Tom Tammi [2], the work is based on what was initally called the Truth in Translation Project (funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation[3]), and is based on research relating to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with specific focus on the role of translators of statements made to the Commission. In 2003 Lessac interviewed the translators. The interviews and the rest of the project were filmed and was to be released as a documentary film.
Rehearsals for the play began as workshops with the actors and musicians. The play initially opened in and toured South Africa, then went on to tour to Belfast, Kosovo, Jerusalem and Sweden. It also played on the Edinburgh Fringe.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
2006: Produced at the Market Theatre by Yvette Hardie, directed by Michael Lessac, with a cast that included Andrew Buckland (Marcel), Thembi Mtshali-Jones (Nobuhle), Quanita Adams (Alia), Jenny Stead (Claire), Robert Koen (Gideon), Jeroen Kranenburg (Rudi), Sandile Matsheni (Jake), Nick Boraine (Peter), Fana Mokoena (Thabo), Bongani Gumede (Nhlanhla), Sibulele Gcilitshana (Nomawethu), Ellis Pearson, Bheki Mkhwane, Lwazi “Zorro” Xaba, Hugh Masebenza, Celeste Matthews, Mmabatho Mogomotsi and Lerato Moloi. Music composed by Hugh Masekela.
2007: Performed at the Baxter Theatre.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_in_Translation
http://www.truthintranslation.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Lessac
https://www.mott.org/about/history/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848716/
Die Burger, 16 November 2005
Cape Times, 21 Feb 2006
Ruphin Coudyzer. 2023. Annotated list of his photographs of Market Theatre productions. (Provided by Coudyzer)
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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