Hungani Ndlovu takes on directing for the first time in the production 'Musical Chairs,' a dance-theatrical piece that explores the pressures of modern life. The show will run in Cape Town from August 19 to 23.
Ndlovu, who previously built his career in television, film, and performing arts, fulfills multiple roles in this production: he is the director, executive producer, and also performs on stage. This production, which has been nominated for the Naledi Awards twice, will be staged at the Magnet Theatre in Cape Town 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 overcoming the difficulties of the modern world, especially the pressure created by social media. The work examines the desire to be noticed, accepted, and connected in an increasingly digital world, analyzing the impact of online relationships on personality, friendship, romance, and people's sense of belonging.
For Ndlovu himself, this project marks an expansion of his creative experience as he moves into directing while remaining part of the cast. He is joined by Yemimah Jacobs, Jamie-Lee Jansen, and Genesis Shirindza, along with international artists Allen 'Hurricane' Lotour and Angela 'Angyl' McNeil.
The production merges South African street dance styles, such as iPantsula and iBhujwa, with international genres including Hip-Hop, Campbellocking, and Popping. These styles are combined with contemporary and physical theatre, creating a performance focused on movement and narrative. The central question of the show 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 showing received positive reviews; for instance, the late comedian Ebenheiser Dibakwane called the production 'somewhere between revelation and revolution,' and theatre director James Ngkobo highly praised its accessibility.
'Musical Chairs' runs at the Magnet Theatre 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 R199.95. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets.