The month of August saw South Africa engulfed by a seasonal spirit of respect, admiration and adoration to the fairer and more august sex. Yes, august, which is by definition, “inspiring awe and reverence; imposing and magnificent.” These are some of the traits displayed by the moving cast of Bubbly Bosoms. Even hardened chauvinists laid aside their cumbersome masks to reveal their more accepting faces on this cool Wednesday night (25th August). I mean, one can’t be mad ALL the time… right?
“Bubbly Bosoms” is Thari Ya Arts Productions (an all women production company) debut musical play and the brainchild of the eternally beautiful Nakedi Ribane. It ran from the 13-29 August at the S.A State Theatre. Who indeed is worthy to be the carrycot of the arts if not woman? Directed by the talented poet/actress Napo Masheane and Produced by Ribane, the play is a humorously scandalous reiteration of stokvel environments. Bringing together women cut from different cloths in a colorful tapestry of events. Throughout the play, scant whispers of venomous secrets, soon to be unearthed, are heard, but nothing prepares us for what is to be ‘the ultimate betrayal.’
Connie Chiume plays Mita, a musician who returns home after years in exile, Nakedi plays Goitsimang, a single mother whose daughter, Lerato (Sankie Motsei) is graduating from varsity with a huge secret of her own known only by the gossip monger of the group, Matsiye, played by Anikki Maswanganye (co-founder of Ladies in Jazz). The talented Clementine Mosimane is Penny, the very proud Minister whose world is shattered by ‘the ultimate betrayal.’ Zodwa Mabena is Thoko, the bride to be and willing participant in a polygamous relationship… or is she? Dirontsho, a very close friend of the bottle and promiscuous in nature, is played by Thope Diniso who lives with Penny. The pious Rev. Moshupologo is played by Thandi Mahlangu (co-founder of Ladies In Jazz). Lesego Nkonyane plays the highly fashionable Lucia and the vocally gifted Faith Kekana (as Pheladi) completes the Bosom ensemble.
Nelisiwe Xaba was in charge of the Choreography with the musical direction anchored by the legendary Letta Mbulu and performed by the all female band, Ladies in Jazz, which is comprised of Thope, Zodwa, Thandi, Lesego, Sankie and Anikki. The music was nothing short of resplendent with Lesego vociferously yet skillfully blowing on the saxophone. The script, masterly written by Palesa Mazamisa and Makgano Mamabolo, was a joy to follow and executed with dramatic aplomb at times giving homage to great women such as mama Florence Matomela, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Suzman, Helen Josephs, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Masuku and Abigail Kubeka to name a few. This night saw a packed audience with the likes of mama Dorothy Masuku, Lilian Dube and Keketso Semoko present to witness the Bosoms. I applaud these Bubbly Bosoms for a night of laughs and serious insight into Stokvels. Keep your ears and eyes on these pages to find out where this play will be going next.
Dankie…
…droW(**m)att…
