Hungani Ndlovu takes on directing for the first time in the dance-theatre production 'Musical Chairs,' which explores the pressures of modern life. This production will run in Cape Town from August 19 to 23.
Ndlovu, who built his career in television, film, and performing arts, fulfills multiple roles in this work: he serves as director and executive producer, and also appears on stage.
The production, which has been nominated for the Naledi awards twice, will be presented at the Magnet Theatre in Cape Town from August 19 to 23, following its run in Johannesburg.
'Musical Chairs,' presented by The Locksmiths Collective and Rush Productions, uses a familiar children's game as a metaphor for navigating the modern world, particularly concerning the pressure created by social media.
The piece examines the desire to be noticed, accepted, and connected in an increasingly digital world, while also exploring how online relationships can affect a person's identity, friendships, romance, and sense of belonging.
For Ndlovu, this project marks an expansion of his creative experience as he transitions into directing while remaining part of the acting cast on stage.
He is joined by Yemimah Jacobs, Jamie-Lee Jansen, and Genesis Shirindza, along with international artists Allen 'Hurricane' Lotour and Angela 'Angyl' McNeal.
The production merges South African street dance styles, including iPantsula and iBhujwa, with international styles such as Hip Hop, Campbellocking, and Popping. These elements are combined with contemporary and physical theatre to create a performance focused on movement and narrative.
At the heart of 'Musical Chairs' is a question that goes beyond the game itself: what happens when the music stops and you have no place left? The work explores this uncertainty through themes of identity, relationships, community, and the human need for connection.
The Johannesburg season received positive reviews; the late comedian Ebenheizer Dibakwane called the production 'something between revelation and revolution,' and theatre director James Ngkobo highly praised its accessibility.
Audiences can see 'Musical Chairs' at the Magnet Theatre located at 1 St Michaels Road, Observatory, Cape Town, from August 19 to 23. Performances are scheduled from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and tickets cost 199.95 South African Rand, available via Webtickets.
