Can Themba’s life, writing, personal joys and political battles explode into full colour in this energetic and pithy one-man play, starring South African acting legend Sello Maake kaNcube in its maiden run. Mahala weaves together elements of Themba’s life and career with deft wit and poise, recreating the sparkle and pathos of the Drum era and Sophiatown before both were literally destroyed by apartheid legislation. An essential and highly entertaining piece of history, it has played countrywide to full houses and critical acclaim.
About the author
Siphiwo Mahala is a prominent novelist, short story writer and a great admirer of Can Themba’s work. His books include the novel When A Man Cries, which he translated to his native Xhosa language as Yakhal’ Indoda, and African Delights, a collection of short stories which includes one of his most celebrated works, “The Suit Continued,” a rejoinder to Can Themba’s “The Suit.” In January 2016, The Guardian newspaper in the UK listed African Delights as one of the top ten must-read books in the world. The House of Truth, his debut play, was first performed by the venerable actor Sello Maake kaNcube at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival to rave reviews and sold-out shows. Born in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape province, Mahala is a graduate of the University of Fort Hare and holds a Master of Arts degree in African Literature from Wits University. He is a doctoral candidate at UNISA with Can Themba as the focus of his research. He served as the head of Books and Publishing at the Department of Arts and Culture for a period of over ten years. He was recently announced as one of the judges for the 2018 edition of the 9Mobile Prize for Literature (formerly known as the Etisalat Prize), the biggest literary prize for new writers on the African continent.
Date of Publication: August 2017
Publisher: Iconic Productions