The story of Ukama is set in Zimbabwe, in a rural area where people hardly dream beyond what they’re acquainted with. After her mother’s funeral, Anaisha (17) hopes to confront her desires and go to university to further her studies and unearth her dreams.
After years of trying to conceive, the troubled couple, Ruwadzano (32), Anaisha’s sister, and Masimba (40), Ruwadzano’s husband, resort to conjuring a sinister plan to deceive their loved one. All hell breaks loose when there’s conflict involving sexual tension.
The story is offered using the rousing effects of magical realism and unfolds through dialogue, song, physical theatre and narration.
Ukama is a Shona word that can be loosely translated to the state of being related by kindred, affinity, or other alliance.
In 2018, Masango collaborated with a Zimbabwean theatre organisation, Savanna Trust, towards developing and producing the work. The play was first staged at the Arts Extra in a theatre in Bulawayo.
After a successful run in 2019, Ukama received National Arts Merit Awards nominations in the categories of Outstanding Theatrical Production, Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Actor. The play was also performed at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda that year.
"Ukama is the kind of work any human being concerned with family-related matters should experience," says Masango.
Please note the age restriction of 16 LVS.
Tickets cost R50 and will be sold at the door.
For inquiries, please call 012 382 6130.