THEATRE
A celebration of love over culture bias
Bogosi Bolokwe is wearing multiple hats as writer, director and producer of Umshado, writes Edward Tsumele
When writer, director and producer Bogosi Bolokwe fell in love with one of the cast members of Sarafina in the 1990s, while he was working on Mbongeni Ngema’s production as a lighting designer, he was excited. However, the happiness was short-lived because Bolokwe is Tswana-speaking and his girlfriend was Zulu. "This thing set both families on a collision course as they were opposed to our relationship on the basis that she was Zulu and I was Tswana," he says. "Her family could not accept my family. They also could not accept me as they argued it was unacceptable that their girl could conceivably be married into a different culture, even though we are both South African. "It took a lot of intense talks, for especially the family of my girlfriend, to eventually relent and warm to me." That experience inspired him to write a play, Umshado — Marriage of Heritage, a musical celebration that has toured across the country, performing to packed houses in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontei...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.