The renowned apartheid-era play The Island, which has been adapted by director Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, and has won numerous awards, again impressed audiences at this year’s Toyota US Woordfees.
Adaptations included casting two women to play the lead roles, which are usually played by men, and having the actors deliver some of their monologues in their mother tongues, Sesotho and Afrikaans.
The play follows the lives of two political prisoners on an island who rehearse the Greek tragedy, Antigone. Tensions rise when one of the prisoners is told that he will be released early, while the other remains to face the hardships of prison alone.
Jane Mpholo, who played Winston in the play, stands with her fist raised as she delivers her monologue while John, played by Michelle Joubert, stands behind her. PHOTO: Masego Mafata
Audience members included students from Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard, accompanied by their teacher, Antoinette Dowds.
Director Mofokeng wa Makhetha’s adaptations made the play more relevant to the modern-day context, said Dowds.
Actress Jane Mpholo, who played Winston in the play, said “long hours of physically challenging exercises … [and] a team of very talented people” made the challenging process of getting into character easier.
The Island, which has won awards at the Free State Arts Festival “Blinkers” and the Kyknet “Fiestas”, showcased from 9 March to 12 March.
Jane Mpholo sits with her face in her hands, during a scene in the play. PHOTO: Masego Mafata