January 9, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
TWO huge adult elephants and a cute little calf are lost in their tranquil world, occasionally flapping their ears, while the sound of tom-tom drums creates an eerie ambience in downtown Joburg.
This portrait of Africa is on at the Main Theatre in the Market Theatre complex in Newtown. Elephant, a beautiful, magical story about innocence, joy, corruption, tragedy and redemption, is the creation of Ozzie Riley and The Company, with additional material by Malcolm Purkey, the Market Theatre's creative director.
It fuses puppetry, storytelling, traditional and contemporary dance and music, life-size puppets, burlesque, mime and pantomime to tell the story of Chief Zanemvula. The music is beautiful, ranging from haunting traditional to contemporary styles.
Zanemvula, played by Monde Wani, has recently died and is certain he is on his way to heaven. However,he is turned away at heaven's gate. Appealing to his ancestors for assistance, the chief is granted a reprieve if he retraces his footsteps and atones for the error he made when he was younger.
Accompanied by Lucky Louis, "The Devil", Zanemvula sets off for his early life. He becomes the chief but is plagued by jealousy and a deep hatred for his more spiritual brother, who has a special relationship with elephants.
He is vulnerable to the temptation of guns provided by Lucky Louis, played by Patrick O'Connor, and the "pink people".
The young chief kills a mother elephant in an apparent attempt to gain domination. Eventually, the "old" and "young" chief are united and acknowledge the wrong that has been done. The elephants, the stars of the show, return and the chief is allowed into heaven to join his ancestors.
First staged in 1993, Elephant has evolved over the years from a simple touring show, using the huge metaphorical power of the African elephant. It received much acclaim at the 19th congress of the International Society of the Performing Arts in Britain in June 2005.
Enquiries for tours have been received from the United States, Canada, Australia and the Pacific Rim.
Elephant is directed by Sarah Riley, who trained at the London College of Fashion. She combined her fashion and styling skills with theatre to design the costumes and puppets.
An educational play, it is suitable for the whole family. Elephant is on until 29 January at the Main Theatre, in the Market Theatre complex. Tickets are available at Computicket.
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