speeltheater show

RED EARTH (Rode Aarde)

Macebo Mavuso and Tau Qwelane and the Stork

South African legend looks at tradition vis à vis common sense

A whole bunch of simple little puppets, only as tall as your hand, spread out on a table: the once so mighty Xhosa people. The puppeteers: two black South Africans and a white Dutchman translating, playing and joining in with the singing. And a stork, who say it all happen and who has come to tell the story.

Red Earth ('Rode Aarde') was made in South Africa in 2006 and is now presented by Speeltheater Holland here in the open air. The audience and puppeteers meet each other in a 'kraal' (corral) a round fence made out of wooden poles where the Xhosa would round up their cattle. The play is based on true story dating back one and a half centuries ago about a girl called Nongquwuse. She has received a message from the ancestors. They say that the Xhosa must slaughter all their cattle and burn their cereal crops as a sacrifice to the ancestors. Only then will they again become powerful and invincible. This suggestion is doubtful to say the least in view of the continual battle with the English. and sows much controversy. Yet many people obey. Subsequently, the British – who have formerly suffered defeat nine times in a row – finally manage to conquer the Xhosa people. The story is about tradition vis-a-vis common sense and suggests the potential role of the British. Without passing judgment, the play evokes many questions about the confrontation of such extremely diverging worlds and ways of thinking. The powerful and subtle performance of the three men contribute to a beautiful tension. Macebo Mavuso and Tau Qwelane of Sisonke Arts are captivating players with their deep voices and graceful movements. Together with Jawi Bakker, they bring this legend that is so long and far away very close in a manner that is both disturbing and impressive.
Bart Deuss VOLKSKRANT

Red Earth, Speeltheater Holland & Sisonke Arts, from age 10,
23 and 24 June in Amsterdam. Later this year, Dordrecht, Karavaan Festival and Berg en Dal, see tour: www speeltheater nl

Tau Qwelane, Jawi Bakker and Macebo Mavuso

	RED EARTH (Rode Aarde) Macebo Mavuso and Tau Qwelane and the Stork South African legend looks at tradition vis à vis common sense A whole bunch of simple little puppets, only as tall as your hand, spread out on a table: the once so mighty Xhosa people. The puppeteers: two black South Africans and a white Dutchman translating, playing and joining in with the singing. And a stork, who say it all happen and who has come to tell the story. Red Earth ('Rode Aarde') was made in South Africa in 2006 and is now presented by Speeltheater Holland here in the open air. The audience and puppeteers meet each other in a 'kraal' (corral) a round fence made out of wooden poles where the Xhosa would round up their cattle. The play is based on true story dating back one and a half centuries ago about a girl called Nongquwuse. She has received a message from the ancestors. They say that the Xhosa must slaughter all their cattle and burn their cereal crops as a sacrifice to the ancestors. Only then will they again become powerful and invincible. This suggestion is doubtful to say the least in view of the continual battle with the English. and sows much controversy. Yet many people obey. Subsequently, the British – who have formerly suffered defeat nine times in a row – finally manage to conquer the Xhosa people. The story is about tradition vis-a-vis common sense and suggests the potential role of the British. Without passing judgment, the play evokes many questions about the confrontation of such extremely diverging worlds and ways of thinking. The powerful and subtle performance of the three men contribute to a beautiful tension. Macebo Mavuso and Tau Qwelane of Sisonke Arts are captivating players with their deep voices and graceful movements. Together with Jawi Bakker, they bring this legend that is so long and far away very close in a manner that is both disturbing and impressive. Bart Deuss VOLKSKRANT Red Earth, Speeltheater Holland & Sisonke Arts, from age 10, 23 and 24 June in Amsterdam. Later this year, Dordrecht, Karavaan Festival and Berg en Dal, see tour: www speeltheater nl Tau Qwelane, Jawi Bakker and Macebo Mavuso