Liapole
tsa kGuata
Apples appear in many religious traditions, mythology and folk
tales; often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. In Liapole tsa kGuata, the greed
for an apple tree has fatal repercussions for a king.
Initially intended to be performed for Lesotho’s
King Letsie III, Liapole tsa kGauta is a play based on a Sesotho
fiction by G. C. Manyeli. Written and directed by Palesa Matabane, the
play is centred on the quest of a king to stop a bird from eating the apples
from his tree.
Mtabane’s production meticulously captures the narrative of the
fiction through the use of nonverbal communication. The tale aims to show
audiences that there are other ways to find understanding when language is a
barrier for dialogue.
The play began in the Chapel and swiftly moved to the quad of
the Drama Department. Drum beats and harmonious acapella Sesotho songs, as well
as several cast members dressed in black led the audience to the next location.
As a siSotho speaker, I could not grasp some of the jargon in
the dialogue however, my understanding along with other audience members, was
guided by the meticulous use of emotive facial expressions coupled with
vigorous body movements and hand gestures.
Do not be deterred by the name; Liapole tsa kGauta tells a significant
tale with bursts of comedic relief, drama and romance that are sure to keep you
entertained. The play will be performed at the Morija Arts& Cultural
festival in Lesotho later this year. -Koketso Dlongolo
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