“Generations,” a play written by Debbie Tucker Green and directed by Leah C. Gardiner is running at
the Soho Rep Theater until November 9th.
I had the pleasure of experiencing this
play on Saturday, October 11th; I left the performance both amazed
and filled with nostalgia from the set alone. As I walked into the Soho Rep Theater, I felt as if I had
taken a quantum leap through space and landed in the Orange Farm Township in
Gauteng. Having spent some time in a South African township, I was immediately
moved by the authenticity of the set. I saw it in the well-known South African
products surrounding the set; I saw it in the red, clay dirt on the floor that
dusted my shoes upon entering the theater; I heard it in the Brenda Fassie
music playing in the background; also, I saw it in the faces of some of the
actors – most of whom were South African. One of the main characters in “Generations”
is the South African-born actress, singer, and choreographer Thuli Dumakude.
She was one of the many faces both on set and in the audience who had been
involved with projects like Sarafina
and The Lion King.
Most of the activity in the play takes place in the kitchen.
In many cultures, including South African, the kitchen is a central gathering
place for family and friends. Gardiner and the “Generations” crew
did an excellent job of including the entire audience in the set. In fact, as
an audience member I felt as if I were part of the cast. I quietly sat in my
corner listening to the conversations of the family without the pressure of
remembering my lines. That intimacy created
by set designer Arnulfo Maldonado made the story line that much more compelling.
I felt some emotional connection with some of the characters who were often
close enough to touch.
Overall, Gardiner and her crew did an excellent job in
capturing the essence of township living. I will leave the subject matter to
the interpretation of the audience member. I will just say that it is a must
see, if you’re able to make it to the show. I think that audiences will be as
connected and invested as I was as an audience member. They will leave with a
perspective that is different from the popular South African singing/dancing
and pre-apartheid inspired productions. Instead, they will leave with a better
understanding of South African as it pertains to the human condition. “Generations”
is spell bounding. Please go see it and feel free to come back and share.
~Khotso
Honorable Mention:
My very talented daughter, Thaka Machioudi, who continues to thrill me with her
talent, beauty, and boundless creativity. Kea o rata.
More Information about Soho Rep and "Generations" @ SohoRep.org
3 comments:
I find it interesting how South Africa came out of all that terrible struggle with her music intact, her words, her writings, her stories.
I'm listening to Brenda Fassie...
Ahaa! I love Brenda Fassie. Great choice of music, sis. Yes, the South African people are resilient and loving. Yes, they have their faults and weaknesses just like any of us, but they are willing to love. Good folks. I'm glad to be associated.
I'm listening to Thola Amadlozi, and I googled the meaning, it says 'find ancestors.
Yesterday, my brother-in-law's mother and I were talking about where we came from.
As a writer, the theme of finding our ancestors interests me, why we need to reconnect.
I LOVE her music. I discovered her over a year ago. So sad, she died. But she lives on in her music.
I tweeted, by the way, your upcoming poetry reading....
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