G7: OKWE-BOKHWE was originally devised by Mandla Mbothwe with the fifth cohort of trainees on Magnet’s Full Time Training and Job Creation Programme 2017/2018 and performed at the Gugulethu Memorial site. The Magnet Theatre trainees returned as graduates and third year interns to perform the production for the 2019 tour.
This powerful production is based on the historical records of the Gugulethu Seven, seven young members of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) who were ambushed and heartlessly killed by the South African security forces on the morning of 3 March, 1986, during the anti-apartheid struggle years. The Gugulethu Seven memorial was built on the site of the ambush to commemorate the life and death of those activists.
The production is a powerful active memorial that attempts to engage with a process of healing the pain of our collective past. The production is also regenerative, allowing the wounds of our history to be exposed, validated, and attended to. Drawing on the powerful language of the body, song and ritual G7: OKWE-BOKHWE honours the Gugulethu Seven and celebrates the power of theatre’s ability to heal.
Directed by Mandla Mbothwe
Movement Direction by Jennie Reznek
Assistant direction by Zukisani Nongogo
Design by Linda Mandela Sejosingoe
Choreography by Mzo Gasa
Music by Babalwa Makwetu
Lighting Design by Themba Stewart
Text and Poetry created by the company and originally co-ordinated by Vuyokazi Ngemntu.
The Cast: Abigail Mei, Carlo Daniels, Luxolo Mboso, Siyavuya Gqumehlo, Sivenathi Macibela, Sizwe Lubengu, Sityhilelo Makupula and Yvonne Msebenzi.
Perfromed at UCT and at the NAF Main Platfrom in Makhanda in 2019.
Nominated in 4 Categories for the Fleur du Cap Awards: Best Director; Best Ensemble, Best Original Score and Best New South African Play.
