MAST Mayflower Studios has announced casting for their upcoming revival of Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona’s Sizwe Banzi is Dead, which runs from Friday 6 to Saturday 14 October 2023.
Port Elizabeth in Apartheid South Africa, Sizwe Banzi, an African worker, has a passbook stating he was supposed to return home three days ago.
Without a valid passbook, Sizwe cannot work and therefore cannot support his wife and four children.
After finding a dead body with a passbook valid to work, Sizwe must decide whether his name defines who he is, or should he steal the dead man’s identity in order to provide for his family.
As he steps into the photographic studio, he must make that decision.
John Pfumojena (Peter Pan – National Theatre/Bristol Old Vic/Troubadour Theatre, The Jungle – The Curran, San Francisco/St Anne’s, Brooklyn/Playhouse Theatre, London/Young Vic) will direct and perform as Styles and Buntu, alongside Wisdom Iheoma (One Who Wants to Cross – Finborough Theatre, Dinner 18:55 – Leeds Playhouse) as the titular, Sizwe Banzi.
Pfumojena recently provided musical direction, composition and arrangements for the Olivier award-nominated production of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy.
The production marks the first time that MAST Mayflower Studios has staged a classic South African play, and is part of the theatre’s ongoing vision to provide inspiring experiences for everyone, and to be a creative hub and centre of excellence for culture in Southampton.
Tickets for Sizwe Banzi is Dead (6 – 14 October 2023) are on sale at mayflowerstudios.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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