Review for Empatheatre’s Lalela Uhwande by Jean van Elden

Review for Empatheatre’s Lalela Uhwande by Jean van Elden on behalf of Artsmart – https://artsmart.co.za/
This is a must-see production for both young and old as it calls South Africans to action to be involved and halt the destruction of one of our biggest resources, the Sea. (Review by Jean van Elden)
What a privilege it was to attend Lalela Uhwande (Listen to the Sea), the latest Empatheatre production at the Square Space Theatre last night. Neil Coppen directs the well-researched piece produced by Dr. Dylan McGarry, which looks at the importance of the Ocean to the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Coppen’s script is created from a fascinating collection of real life stories and is revealed through the reminiscings of three colourful and diverse KwaZulu-Natal characters. I felt totally immersed as the individuals’ accounts were related in a very personal and interactive way.
Faye (Alison Cassels) is a retired marine scientist who cherishes the sea after her long career. She is dealing with the recent loss of her husband. Nolwande (Mpume FX Mthombeni) is a marine educator at an aquarium who is proud of her Zulu ancestral connection to the ocean. Niren (Rory Booth) is a young social environmentalist who has been exposed to the sea by his fisherman father. He reveals the rich history of his family’s fishing heritage.
The oral stories are supported by haunting sound tracks by Guy Buttery and Gary Thomas .The clever use of effective props created powerful visual imagery.
All three characters feel the pressure that modern situations have placed on our oceans and understand the negative impact this has on our lives. Empatheatre has succeeded in encouraging debates about the effect heritage, ancestral beliefs and perceived scientific progress have on coastline and oceans. This is a must-see production for both young and old as it calls South Africans to action to be involved and halt the destruction of one of our biggest resources, the Sea.
Superb heartfelt performances by three exceptionally accomplished actors, simple and effective lighting by Tina Le Roux, wonderful imagery, sound and brilliant direction. Thanks to all involved for this thought-provoking important piece of theatre
The production can be seen at the Square Space at UKZN Howard College campus, on Friday (October 18) at 19h00 and Saturday (October 19) at 12h00 and 19h00.
For more information on Empatheatre visit http://www.uncannyjustness.org/empatheatre.html – Jean van Elden

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