Theatre in the Dark - Cantos of a Life in Exile
Performance Storytelling
Written, Directed and Performed by Makhaola Ndebele
PG 9+
"Cantos of a Life in Exile" is a captivating tale of finding one's true self. It takes you on a captivating journey through a South African life, born in exile, seeking belonging and home. Inspired by Southern African traditions like iiNgoma and iziBongo, the narrative weaves a mesmerising blend of storytelling, poetry, and healing rhythms. This powerful tale, with its breathtaking prose, encapsulates the human experience, inviting you into a world where each word resonates with triumph over adversity. It's not just a story; it's an epic symphony that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
REVIEWS
The Cape Robyn - a beautifully poignant theatre experience
Cape Town Theatre Scene - captivates as storytelling of soul in search of truth
Deeply personal, very moving and sad - Megan Choritz, August 2024
Magnificent performance about a part of South African identity that is not often explored. Makhaola Ndebele is a talented professional who takes the audience on a mesmerizing journey! - Audience member, August 2024
MAKHAOLA NDEBELE
For over two decades, Makhaola has graced stages and screens with a brilliance that whispers rather than shouts. His artistry, a tapestry woven across theatre, film, and television, shimmers with an understated depth that draws you in, story by story.
He's more than just an actor; he's a weaver of worlds. His writing crosses genres, crafting comedies that tickle your funny bone and dramas that resonate in the soul, all infused with a subtle power that probes the complexities of identity, liberation, and family in the vibrant context of South Africa.
In 2001, a spark ignited within him. AuthenticImages, a multi-media company born from his vision, used the stage as a bridge, connecting corporations and people with the transformative power of theatre. For eight years, he wielded creativity like a brush, painting understanding and connection onto the canvas of corporate relations.
Then came Nomzamo, a sitcom that mirrored life with an endearing smile. Makhaola's gift for weaving humour with humanity shone through, making us laugh and cry alongside a single mother navigating the joys and challenges of modern life.
But his brilliance extends far beyond the spotlight. He's honed his craft as a dramaturge, mentoring and nurturing young artists. He's shared his knowledge as a lecturer, his words igniting minds with the passion of performance. And as Artistic Director of Joburg City Theatres, he guided a vibrant hub of creativity, leaving a legacy of artistic excellence.
Today, Makhaola embarks on a new journey, delving into the realm of Performance Auto-ethnography. He uses his own experiences as a living archive, a tapestry of stories woven into a powerful tool for exploration and liberation.
Makhaola is not just an artist; he's a quiet beacon, illuminating the path to understanding, connection, and freedom through the magic of performance. And the echo it leaves in your heart is a testament to the transformative power of a life well-told.