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Reviving indigenous wisdom through theatre: Macgam and Ijoloba

05 April 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo SUPPLIED

Vibrant performance at the Mthonyama Arts Festival.

In a concerted effort to revive and celebrate indigenous knowledge and traditions, both Zabesutu Mpiti a Lecturer and Sikhuthali Bonga an Academic Facilitator, in the Drama and Theatre Arts Department at the University of the Free State (UFS), presented two groundbreaking theatre productions: Macgam and Ijoloba. These productions, which premiered at PACOFS on 15-17 February 2024 and the Mthonyama Arts Festival on 15-17 March 2024 in the Eastern Cape, mark a significant milestone in the institution’s embrace of cultural heritage.

Established in 2022 by Mpiti and Bonga, the Mthonyama Arts Festival is an annual celebration aimed at showcasing and revitalizing indigenous creative practices, including plays originating from the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. Attendees at the festival were treated not only to theatrical performances but also to cultural experiences such as stick-fighting tournaments.

Both Macgam and Ijoloba received enthusiastic responses from the audience at the festival, signifying a hunger for narratives that resonate with African heritage and spirituality.

Exploring the productions

Ijoloba, conceived by Mpiti, is a three-part production inspired by Credo Mutwa’s seminal work, “Indaba, My Children.” The narrative revolves around Ijoloba, a deity sent to restore harmony among humans. Gifted with elements crucial to survival and prosperity, such as water and fertility, humanity’s misuse of these gifts, leads to conflict and the departure of Ijoloba along with her gifts. The subsequent narrative explores humanity’s quest to regain her favour.

Bonga’s Macgam delves into the migration of the Nguni people from central Africa to South Africa, drawing inspiration from Mutwa’s works as well. It also examines the tradition of female initiation schools, through the lens of divine intervention. Conflict arises as characters question traditional practices, reflecting tensions between old and new ways of life. Both productions intertwine themes of ritualism and the role of deities in African culture.

Significance of the productions

Bonga and Mpiti view these productions as pioneering efforts within the institution, breaking away from conventional Western narratives. They incorporated indigenous techniques, such as Dr Obakeng Kgwasi’s Bosophytrics, into their creative processes, emphasising the importance of diverse storytelling methods.

By bringing indigenous stories to the forefront, Bonga and Mpiti aim to foster a culture where such narratives are embraced and celebrated. The benefit in this regard is that students who are starting within the department can see that it is possible to create such work. “Bringing these stories to the forefront is a form of representation and a departure from Eurocentric ideologies allowing space for African spiritual practices to be integrated into the study and practice of drama and theatre.’’

Continuing the journey

Following its successful debut, Macgam has been showcased on various stages, including PACOFS, where it garnered positive feedback. Both productions are set to embark on a tour, with their next stop being Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, as part of the ongoing Mthonyama Arts Festival.

News Archive

We must rise again, says Dr Luescher

2016-05-04

Dr Thierry Luescher, Assistant Director of University of the Free State Directorate for Institutional Research and Academic Planning, was one of the guest speakers at the first TEDxUFS event of the year on the Bloemfontein Campus. Here he is explaining where the #movements started, and how to change the way we think. Photo: Marli du Plessis.

The student protests, known as the #MustFall movements, started on 9 March 2015, when students protested in a well-rehearsed manner at the Cecil John Rhodesstatue at the University of Cape Town. After this protest, students all over South Africa started their own movements from #OpenStellies to #SwartsMustFall, the latter happening on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in March 2016. But, as Dr Thierry Luescher, Assistant Director of UFS Directorate for Institutional Research and Academic Planning, says: “We shall soon run out of #MustFalls. Maybe it is time that we rise again.”

The first TEDxUFS was held on Friday 15 April 2016 at the New Education Building on the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS. Dr Luescher shone light on the way we look at hashtag movements. At the conference, he was one of the guest speakers who shared their perspectives on the theme of #ImpossibleIsNothing. The others were Ndumiso Hadebe, and Fezile Sonkwane.

Changing angles

No matter what the issue, whether it is on a campus or not, the same reaction can be expected by all: they burn things to get attention. In retrospect, this is our political culture. This is what we have been told to do if we need answers. There is a much faster and cheaper way to attract people’s attention: the hashtag movements, says Dr Luescher.

Stop the fire

He argues that we should stop burning down buildings and vandalising properties. What we need is people with intellect to use their words. We, as students, have to take back our voice. We need to stop this self-pitying, and take a stand.

Students have the power to change lives. We would be able to reach as many as 1.4 million people with our tweets or instagram accounts. According to Dr Luescher, the time for violence has come to an end.

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