February 6, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
THERE are countless definitions of what "makes a man", and a production currently running at the Laager Theatre, Coal Yard, explores these ideas through the tragi-comic story of an abused young man.
With an energetic and talented cast, Coal Yard uses the bare minimum of stage props and set but is very effective in exposing the challenges faced by young men trying to find their identities in a place where society is at odds with some of its norms and values.
Tshepo runs away from home because his father is sexually abusing him. An older friend, Samson, gives him refuge and finds him a job at a coal yard, run by the exploitative and unscrupulous Mr Naidoo, who takes pleasure in the suffering of his workers.
While on duty, Tshepo meets the beautiful Matshepo, who doesn't take the love-struck "coal yard boy" seriously. But when the relationship finally blossoms – to Tshepo's glee – there is a stumbling block. Because of his past sexual experiences, Tshepo "can't perform" in bed and Matshepo leaves him for the two-timing Pepsi.
Fortunately for Tshepo, Matshepo discovers Pepsi's antics and she tries to go back to her former boyfriend.
Along the way, Tshepo meets an old friend, Itumeleng, who comes from a wealthy family. However, Itumeleng's family is killed in a car crash and he is taken into the care of his abusive uncle, who kicks the orphaned boy out of his house.
So Itumeleng goes to live with Tshepo and Samson and finds a job at the coal yard, which he describes as "despicable".
To become a man, Tshepo needs to confront his jailed father and, together with his co-workers, the unscrupulous Mr Naidoo. Then there is the matter of Matshepo, who still lingers at the back of his mind, and his mother, who wants him to quit working at the coal yard and go to university.
The cast, consisting of Diphapang Isaac Mokoena, Seabata Lepele, Mbovu Malinga and Tshediso Lawrence Mofali, dexterously change characters throughout the play. The mime is delightful and the humour captivating.
"We live in a society that is faced with many challenges," says the play's director, Prince Lamla. "It doesn't matter if you come from the lower, middle or upper class. We are all affected one way or the other. Coal Yard touches on challenges that are overlooked but that are really damaging to society at large."
Coal Yard was the winner of the 2005 Zwakala Festival. After winning that festival, its development was helped by the Market Theatre's literary department.
The play is on until 25 February at the Laager Theatre, at the Market Theatre. Tickets are available at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or from the Computicket website.
For more information, contact the Market Theatre publicity department on 011 832 1641 or visit the Market Theatre website.
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