Ngenzeni?
Ngenzeni? ("What have I done?") is an isiZulu play by L.L.J. Mncwango ().
Also referred to as Ngenzeni and Ngenzini in some sources.
Contents
The original text
It is a historical play about Zulu culture and the confrontation between Sikhunyana and Shaka, with the action largely revolving around the flight of the lovers, Hilwayo and Zenzile, from the wrath of the tyrannical ruler Menziwa, who has ordered Zenzile (and her twin sister) to his isigodlo ("harem"). Against this background Menziwa is portrayed as a tyrant – at his behest people are robbed of their possessions and they are tortured or simply killed - and Shaka as a benevolent leader, since the lovers finally find refuge at his palace.
The text first published (as Ngenzeni?) by Shuter & Shooter (Pty) Ltd, in 1959. It became a setwork for schools in the 1960s and 1970s.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
1976: A play listed (wrongly?) as Mgenzeni was performed as a school production in Kwa-Mashu, featuring Bongani Hlope in his first stage role at the age of 16.
Sources
Stellenbosch University Library catalogue.
H.C. Groenewald. 2004. Reclaiming lost ground – the history play in Zulu. In Literator 25(1): pp 164-5[1]
Market Theatre programme for Asinamali, 1985.
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