Taking back the Stable
24 June 2005
The 2005 Durban International Film Festival, held in June, closed with the launch of Taking Back the Stable, a stage, film and musical collaboration to be directed by some of the country's most experienced theatrical hands.
The Stable Theatre in Durban's CBD is known as the home of African theatre in South Africa.
In Taking Back the Stable, a group of young actors, dancers and musicians will create an original stage musical exploring the theatre's history, the part it played in transformation, and the role the Stable, its methods and its ideals can still play in today's society.
"I am really excited about this project," said Mbongeni Ngema, creator of Sarafina and director of the workshops. "The Stable Theatre launched my career, as well as that of many well-known artists. It is time we paid back our debt."
The young actors will be mentored by well-known South African artists, including Ngema, storyteller and author Gcina Mhlophe, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Joseph Shabalala, and musician Madala Kunene.
In addition to the stage production, the Taking Back the Stable project will produce a CD and a documentary film, to premiere at the 2006 Durban International Film Festival.
"This is not the kind of documentary that just recaps a history," said director Michael Lee, an American now resident in the country.
"Taking Back the Stable is intended to rejuvenate an old story and give it a whole new life that goes on when the film is done."
The project, which has a strong training and development focus, is sponsored by the eThekwini municipality, SABC2, the National Film and Video Foundation, the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
