To mark the end of Black History Month, MAST Mayflower Studios is excited to announce the start of an ambitious programme of produced work with Sizwe Banzi is Dead for October next year.
This is straight off the back of winning the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children & Young People for their production of Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, in association with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment.
A powerful and joyous new production of the seminal play, Sizwe Banzi is Dead, written by Athol Fugard, John Kani & Winston Ntshona will open at MAST Mayflower Studios on Friday 6 October – Saturday 14 October 2023. The production is currently booking dates for an Autumn tour and a pre-Christmas run, in London.
This production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead marks the first time a classic South African play has been produced at MAST Mayflower Studios and is directed by John Pfumojena:“Almost two decades ago I was in Harare at Prince Edward School, studying this text as a set book for Literature in English exams, not realising the impact ‘Sizwe Banzi is Dead’ would have on my own theatre practice. Let alone how sadly relevant it remains. I’m humbled to be standing on the shoulders of giants (Athol Fugard, John Kani & Winston Ntshona) and directing a revival of this masterful township play, working with MAST Mayflower Studios. ‘The Nation is in Peril’” John Pfumojena, Director.
Port Elizabeth in Apartheid South Africa. Sizwe Banzi, an African worker, has a passbook stating he was supposed to return home three days ago. Without a valid passbook, Sizwe cannot work and therefore cannot support his wife and four children.
After finding a dead body with a passbook valid to work in Port Elizabeth, Sizwe must decide whether his name defines who he is, or should he steal the dead man’s identity in order to provide for his family. As he steps into the photographic studio, he must make that decision.
Sometimes you must die so you can live.
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios said, “I am delighted that we are producing this important play and it’s the first of a wonderful programme of productions for 2023 which will be Mayflower Made.
We have a really diverse programme and we are excited to be working with John and his team and launching this production from Southampton.”
Jamie Smith, Creative Producer of Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios added, “We mustn’t forget or understate, that the collaboration between Fugard, Kani and Ntshona, fifty years ago, would’ve attracted naïve scrutiny from their contemporaries. The bravery and artistry of these friends and allies resulted in a sharp, funny and thought-provoking play which, even now, thirty years post-apartheid, remains fresh and relevant, testament to the skill and ingenuity of the writing. MAST Mayflower Studios, are excited, proud and privileged to be staging this pivotal piece of World theatre.”
Fifty years later, the play is still relevant, both for those who know all too well the continued human oppression that takes place across the world and those who are too young to remember South African apartheid.
Full casting and creatives to be announced.
As a cultural hub, MAST Mayflower Studios collaborate and work with their Resident, Associate and Community Partners together to enable the best use of MAST by the community, developing innovative cultural leadership, programming and co-constructing projects.
“Sizwe Banzi Is Dead” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk