A Weekend of Art and Reflection: Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival at the Market Theatre

Johannesburg’s bustling cultural hub, the Market Theatre, played host to the extraordinary Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival, presented in collaboration with mehlo-maya (eye-to-the-sun). This four-day celebration of Southern African creativity showcased theatre, music, workshops, films, and talks, representing seven Southern African countries. Over the weekend, I attended three remarkable performances that profoundly impacted my understanding of art as a vessel for storytelling and activism.

The first was a screening of Vincent Moloi’s film Skulls of My People. This searing documentary confronts the harrowing history of the Herero and Nama genocide by German colonisers. Through striking visuals and deeply emotional narratives, Moloi not only revisits one of Africa’s darkest chapters but also highlights the resilience of these communities in their ongoing quest for recognition and reparations. The film was an eye-opening account of colonial violence that lingers as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving and reclaiming African histories.

Next, I experienced MoRa, a unique performance blending poetry and music. The collaboration between Lesego Rampolokeng, a celebrated poet, and Tumi Mogorosi, an acclaimed instrumentalist, explored the history of South Africa and the African continent while honouring Pan-African thinkers like Steve Biko and Franz Fanon. The title, drawn from prefixes of their last names, means "a son" in Setswana, encapsulating the work's role in carrying forward African legacies.

Rampolokeng’s piercing words, chronicling the struggles of Black landless people, were powerfully complemented by Mogorosi’s ensemble: Cecilia Phetoe, Sibongile Mollo, and Themba Maseko (vocals); Dalisu Ndlazi (tuba); Lebogang Komane (trumpet); and Gontse Makhene (percussion). Together, they delivered a nuanced and layered performance that weaved history, music, and poetry into a rich tapestry of resistance and resilience. This captivating piece was an auditory and emotional journey, deeply rooted in the land and its people.

The final performance, LALA NGENXEBA/of Love and Revolution, was a play written by Monageng Vice Motshabi and directed by Palesa Mazamisa. Featuring Pulane Rampoana, Zizana Peteni, and Katlego ‘Kaygee’ Letsholonyana, the production delved into the life and legacy of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe's letters exchanged, focusing on his relationship with his wife, Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe. Through a mix of narration and character portrayals, the cast delivered a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of political oppression.

The play’s interactive approach was particularly striking. The cast invited the audience to engage in the storytelling process, deciding which aspects of the Sobukwes’ lives to highlight in each scene. This dynamic format kept the audience enthralled, with applause echoing after every agreed narrative thread. The performance humanised Black love amidst the struggle, honouring Zondeni’s unwavering devotion to “Mangi” as he moved from one prison to the next.

The Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival, presented by the Market Theatre and mehlo-maya, was an enriching experience, a testament to the power of art in chronicling history and fostering dialogue. Each performance I attended underscored the urgency of telling African stories with authenticity and passion. This festival was a true celebration of the region’s creative spirit, and it left me inspired and hopeful about the future of Pan-African storytelling.

The inaugural Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival was held at The Market Theatre from 14 to 17 November 2024 in Johannesburg.