“METSI” to show Live at State Theatre

From 01 to 05 October 2021, The South African State Theatre in association with Sketch Productions will be presenting live performances of METSI, a love story exploring a spiritual connection between destined soulmates. Last year, theatre lovers were denied by Covid-19 Lockdown to witness the play live as it resorted to premiere on SAST’s streaming platform. Earlier this year it again showcased in the National Arts Festival main program.

Written and directed by Hannah Nokwazi van Tonder, dramaturgy and music composition by Paul Noko and Choreography by Phumlani Nyanga, METSI (Water) follows soulmates Juliet Zulu (played by Balindile ka Ngcobo) and Motswahole Mukubung (Abongile Maurice Matyutyu) to finding each other. Their life choices are influenced by their individual spiritual identity, and time on earth. The journey becomes tough, navigating the everyday life of the community of Emthonjeni. ‘What happens when you have nothing to give but your inner being? Will they survive the floods when the heavy rain comes?’

The story depicts elements, Sikhathi (Time) and Mhlaba (Earth) as forces guiding the paths of the lovebirds and leading them to finding each other. Award-winning dancers, Xolisile Bongwana (as Sikhathi (Time) and Thulisile Binda (Mhlaba (Earth) are tasked to project these elements.

The production sees Van Tonder reconnect with theatre maker Paul Noko, whose capacity is dramaturgy. Having worked together in previous collaborations in works such as Kroes Hare and the Cursed Vagina, Bleed, Kwaito in Sluighuis, The Coin. Van Tonder says theatre lovers should expect to see a new level of South African storytelling as she “seeks to put a magnifying glass on the people in our communities whom we would often label as ordinary.”

Hannah is a Johannesburg based artist and co-owner of Sketch productions- a production company she founded with Noko in 2018. Since then van Tonder has managed to create and produce independent work to influence the South African storytelling industry. The 24-year-old has an honours degree in Barchelor of art and a Masters degree in Social anthropology from the University of Witwatersrand. She is passionate about growing her craft and creating an easier path for black female artists to journey on alongside her.

METSI tickets are R130 at Wecbtickets, available online, State Theatre’s Box Office, and Pick n Pay stores.