As matters of political leaderships dominate the news headlines in the South African media, the multi-award-winning play, Dikapapa, could not be staged at a more relevant time. Dikapapa is a political thriller depicting a life of a struggle stalwart and traitor now participating in South Africa’s democracy where a traitor is heralded as a hero.
Directed by Nketu Lebeko, Dikapapa is the product of the DAC sponsored Incubation Programme which offers up and coming young theatre practitioners an opportunity to enhance their skills through mentorship.
Dikakapa was the winner of the 2017 Zwakala Festival at the Market Theatre. It also won the Standard Bank Fringe Ovation Award at the 2017 National Arts Festival.
Nketu Lebeko has been working with his cast for the last five years. ‘The cast hails from Sharpeville, a place that was for a long time known for the Sharpeville massacre now the young are taking their town back, they want to start a new narrative of distancing themselves from the pity of massacre but build a generation of positivity and a strong youth movement speaking through the art’”, said Lebeko Nketu.
Dikakapa was co-written by Teboho Serapelo, Isaac Sithole and Lebeko Nketu and stars Teboho Serapelo, Isaac Sithole, Naledi Khaalo, Khulisile Dlamini, Mdengase Govuzela, Mduduzi Mdabuli, Mojabeng Rasenyalo, Mbali Bewula and Thembi Qobo.
Mpho J Molepo was appointed by the Market Theatre to offer additional mentorship to the production to ready it for its professional debut season at the Barney Simon Theatre from 9 – 25 February. During its Market Theatre season the production will have the full support of the Market Theatre’s technical, producing and communications department.
Dikakapa will will join the ranks of other successful plays from the Zwakala Festival that have made their professional debut at the Market Theatre. The 2016 Zwakala Festival winning production, Isithunzi, won the first prize at the inaugural Arts Incubators Trade Fair in June 2017. The 2015 Zwakala Festival winning production, TAU, was another winner of a Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award at last year’s National Arts Festival.
The Zwakala Festival’s long legacy of unearthing and nurturing talent for the competitive theatre industry will be further affirmed when Dikapapa opens at the Market Theatre this month for a 3 week season.
