After a sold-out run at the Umtiza Arts Festival, the powerful isiXhosa drama, Buzani Kubawo, returns to East London’s Guild Theatre for two special Youth Day performances on June 16, to teach emerging generations about the importance of balancing cultural preservation with individual freedoms.
Directed by Sonwa Sakuba of Sonwa Sakuba Productions and Institute for the Performing Arts, the play brings WK Thamsanqa’s well-known literary work of the same name from the classroom to the stage.
Buzani Kubawo (Ask Father) was released in 1958 and follows the story of Gugulethu, who is forced by his father, Zwilakhe, to marry someone he does not love. This arranged marriage creates conflict within the family and leads to tragic consequences.
The story explores the tension between traditional expectations and the desire among younger generations for greater individualism.
“It’s still such a great piece of text. I fell in love with it the first time I read it,” Sakuba said.
“It’s more than theatre; it’s about preserving our language and history. Like how Shaka iLembe [the Showmax series] revived Zulu heritage, Buzani Kubawo brings isiXhosa stories back to life.”
Sakuba’s directorial approach emphasizes interactive storytelling, an original music score, and simplified costuming. This is intended to breathe levity into the serious themes in the play
“The story has a powerful message. I wanted to keep it true to the essence of the original text while making it engaging for today’s audience,” he said.
For Imisebenzi Emihle Dumbisa, portraying the bold and opinionated Nomampondomise Langeni, the female lead in the story, was both exciting and daunting.
“She’s confident and follows her heart, just like me,” Dumbisa said. “She represents all the women who don’t have the freedom to make choices and playing her has been an honour.”
Dumbisa said that even after the show, one line from the play will resonate with her forever:
“Siphila kumaxesha okhanyo which means, ‘We live in times of enlightenment,’ but do we really? Girls are still being married off without their consent and my character speaks for them.”
Siyolise Zicine, who makes his debut as Gugulethu, the male lead, says landing the role on his first audition was a shock.
“I was anxious but excited. Gugulethu breaks down from the pressure of marrying someone he doesn’t love. He represents the emotional toll that traditions can take on young people.”
Zicine hopes the play sparks broader reflection and conversation about ongoing controversy surrounding forced marriages.
Zicine adds: “We need to stop misusing masculine power and start uplifting women. This play says that loud and clear.”
Wongalethu High School isiXhosa and life skills teacher Elowo Makinana said: “It [Buzani Kubawo] represents indigenous storytelling and teaches wisdom, and life skills. It’s not about rejecting culture but about evolving it.”
The show will be touring in Gqeberha from June 22-27. For tickets to the East London show on June 16 at EL Guild Theatre please visit: www.webtickets.co.za.
 with two performances of their acclaimed show which explores the tensions surrounding arranged marriage based on the book of the same name by W.K. Thamsanqa.){kind=link}