Umbatha
Dates of performance
1974 JANUARY
Overview
A Zulu dramatization of momentous epoch in South African history which uses the plotline of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ to give greater resonance to it’s fable of authority, assassination and treachery.
Synopsis of play
Story written by Welcome Msomi.In order to follow” Umbatha” in the light of “Macbeth”, Shakespeare’s characters are bracketed behind the Zulu names. The action of the play takes place in Mfolozi in Zululand (Scotland); the time period is early 18th century during the reign if the Zulu kings Shaka and Dingane.
Mabatha (Macbeth) and Bhangane (Banquo) have fought bravely in the battle against Mkhawundeni. Dangane (Duncan), chief of the Magebas, honours Mabatha by appointing him leader of the defeated Mkhawundeni.
All this foretold to Mabatha and Bhangane on their way back from the battlefield by three Sangomas (witches), who prophesy further that Mabatha will be chief of the Magebas and that Bhangane will have sons who will be chiefs.
After his return to Mfolozi, Mabatha together with Kamadonsela (Lady Macbeth) plan to kill Dangane. The murder is committed after a feast to honour Dangane.
Dangane’s two sons, Makiwane and Donebane (Malcolm and Donalbain),
Flee to Swaziland to escape danger to themselves and to enlist the help of the Swazi chief.
Mabatha has now become chief to the Magebas but fears that Bhangane’s sons will supplant him as the Sangomas prophesied. He therefore arranges the murder of Bhangane and his son. However, Folose (Fleance) escapes and joins Makiwane and Donebane in Swaziland.
The same night a feast is held to honour Mabatha as the new chief. The spirit of Bhangane appears to Mabatha and the feast ends in disorder.
Mabatha consults the three Sangomas, who invoke visions of Bhangane’s sons. However, the prophesies of the Sangomas seem to Mabatha to be re-assuring.
Mafundu (Macduff) has also fled to Swaziland to join the impi gathering against Mabatha. Mabatha has Mafundu’s wife and family put to death.
Finally as the Swazis attack. Mabath’a army is defeated and Mafundu slays Mabatha in the final confrontation. Makiwane is reinstated as the rightful ruler of the Magebas.
Cast List
| SANGOMAS | Witch doctors | LORRAINE NYATHIKAZI, |
| PRUDENCE SOKHULU, | ||
| FIKELE DLUNGWANA | ||
| IMBONGI | Praise-singer | MICHAEL HLATSHWAYO |
| DANGANE | Chief of Magebas | KHULEKANNI MAGUBANE |
| MAKIWANE | His son | REFUGE MCANYANA |
| DONEBANE | His son | RALPH MTHEMBU |
| LINOLO | Chief warrior | CYRIL MCHUNU |
| MAFUDU | Chief warrior | MUZI NGCOBO |
| HOSHWENI | Chief warrior | PHILLIP MSOMI |
| ANGANO | Chief warrior | RICHARD MHLONGO |
| MABATHA | Prince of the royal family | WELCOME MSOMI |
| BHANGANE | Prince of the royal family | LAWRENCE SITHOLE |
| FOLOSE | Son of Bhangane | BONGANI NGIDI |
| KAMADONSELA | Wife of Mabatha | DAISY DUMAKUDE |
| MSIMBITHI | Attendant to Mabatha | MOLIVE SITHOLE |
| ABABLALI | Murderers | MICHAEL ZULU, |
| CYRIL MCHUNU, | ||
| MUSA DLUDLA. | ||
| KAMAKHAWULANA | Wife of Mafundu | NTOMBIYENKONI MLONGA |
| NDODANA | Her child | PHILLIP MTHEMBU |
| SALUKAZI | Old nurse | CAROLINE MTHEMBU |
| NYANGA | Witchdoctor | MICHAEL ZULU |
| SITHOLE | Attendant to Mabatha | DENNISNGCOBO |
| DANCERS & ATTENDANT | EUGENIA TSHABALALA |
Creative List
| STAGE DIRECTOR | AVRIL BEE |
| STAGE MANAGER | ANNE WILKINSON |
| BUSINESS MANAGER | GLADYS GORDON |
| FOH MANAGER | MARIE MCIVOR |
| ADMINISTRATOR | HUNTLY STUART |
| WARDROBE SUPERVISOR | EVE STUART |
