REVIEW: Reviving the essence of traditional African storytelling

The story of Isiphosethu in Ungubani sheds light on the divine powers of ancestors, and the

importance of knowing your roots as an African.

The play follows Isiphosethu, a rightful royal queen summoned home by destiny. Raised in

Johannesburg, she is haunted by recurring ancestral dreams urging her to return to where

her inkaba (umbilical cord) lies buried.

Aphelele Sidelo, a member of the cast and writer of the play says, “This play aims to remind

people of the importance of intsomi as it was used by our grandparents to tell stories with

the essence of moral teaching.”

The play took place at the Emakhaya Theatre atWits Art Museum on April 29, 2024, in front

of a jam packed audience.

The cast incorporated emotional traditional isiXhosa poetry, music, and intsomi (tales) into

experimental theatre. The play opened with a powerful Isixhosa chant as Isiphosethu

embarked on her journey to the longed-for village.

Despite not being familiar with the language, it was remarkable how the cast ensured that

their message was effectively conveyed to the spectators through expressive body language.

Director and composer, Mandipumle Nokonya told to Wits Vuvuzela that “the language

barrier was a major hurdle since some cast members weren't Xhosa speakers. They trained

extensively to preserve the play's theme.” Watching, one would have assumed they were all

native isiXhosa speakers, a testament to their talent and dedication.

In the play, Isizwe Samanqosi, a rural village in the Eastern Cape, is governed by the

malevolent Queen Nofesti. She killed her sibling Nomadubazana, the rightful queen, and

ordered her brother Zwelakhe to murder Nomadubazana's newborn, Isiphosetthu.

Nofesti did not know that Isiphosethu was not killed and was taken to Johannesburg by her

uncle. She was ruling the village against the will of the family’s ancestors.

Her use of vulgar and profane language, revealed the type of a person she was, which

envoked feelings of resentment amongst those on stage in the audience alike. I saw her as

an evil dictator, she showed the characteristics of a nowadays selfish politician.

Upon arriving in the village, Isiphosethu encounters her uncle and pivotal figures who guide

her journey. Eventually, she attends a royal meeting called by Nofesti, where her identity is

unveiled, unraveling her entire life story.

This was a cringe moment, the scene was chaotic and very emotional, and it revealed how

greed and power can turn people against their loved ones. Signifying the pursuit of self-

interest at the expense of others.

The village faced grave danger as Nofesti, an arrogant witch, disregarded the pleas of her

people, using her powers to suppress opposition. This illustrates the consequences of

undeserving authority.

Isiphosethu's arrival rescued the villagers, leading to Nofesti's downfall at the hands of the

oppressed community. The rightful queen assumed her throne, and the play concluded with

Queen Siphosethu's marriage and the village rejoicing in their newfound freedom.

The performance left an indelible mark, while the singing and clapping in the house were

memorable, it's the importance of feeling like you belong, a constant guiding light in life's

twists and turns that will stay with me.

Vuvu rating: 8/10