The Market Theatre presents Mopo Productions
“Ukutshona ko Mendi…Did We Dance”
Directed by Mandla Mbothwe
Written by Lara Foot
Ukutshona ko Mendi…Did We Dance (The Sinking of the Mendi)
The accidental sinking of the troopship, SS Mendi, almost one hundred years ago, was one of the worst maritime disasters of the 20th century to have occurred in British waters. This South African military tragedy is commemorated in a play which vividly recreates the tragic tale of more than 600 men, mainly from rural Pondoland in the Eastern Cape who lost their lives on the foggy morning of 21 February 1917 just off the Isle of Wight while on their way to support the British army in France during World War 1.
The troopship SS Mendi set sail from Cape Town on 16 January 1917 with 802 members of the 5th Battalion, South African Native Labor Corps (SANLC) together with British officers and crew. Her final destination was La Havre; France.
The title of the play is derived from SEK Mqhayi poem and the oral legend of the barefooted ‘death dance’ performed by the brave men of the labour contingent on the tilting deck of the Mendi before she plunged beneath the ocean. The men met their death with great dignity and courage, an act which has given its name to South Africa’s highest award for courage, The Order of the Mendi, bestowed by the President on South African citizens who have performed outstanding acts of bravely.
Ukutshona ko Mendi…. Did We Dance (The Sinking of the Mendi) written by Lara Foot, directed by the Steve Biko Centre artistic director Mandla Mbothwe starring Warona Seane, Amandla Vakala, Lulamile Nikani, Mongezi Ncwadi, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Sanga Mabulu and Xolani Ngesi runs at the Market Theatre for a six week season from
12 February – 16 March 2014.
“Awu! ‘ Africa’s finest were busy dying! The ship could not carry its precious cargo; it was echoing into the inner circles, their brave blood faced the King of Kings. Their deaths had purpose for all of us”………..S.E.K Mqhayi
This project was made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
The idea to explore the Mendi project was inspired by Zwai Mgijima, Xolani Ngesi, Mongezi Ncwadi and Maurice Podbrey. The production was originally performed at the Steve Biko Centre in King Williamstown followed by successful run at the Baxter Theatre.
