19 July, 2011

Anois Ar Theach an Tsamhraidh / Change has come

This piece takes you back to Soweto, and students protesting for better education. On 16 June 1976, police responded with teargas and live bullets. It is now commemorated by a group that is full of laughter, pain and joy. The group acknowledges the common struggle against British oppression in both South Africa and Ireland.

Ntombi Ntuli played a contradicting role; she was used to oppose the plan of burning homes of the oppressors. She wanted young people to sit the state down and discuss matters of freedom. She was afraid of loss of lives during the protest and burning process.

It was very pity that all members of the group clashed with Ntuli’s opinion. They continued with their plan. The plan turned happiness, anger into sorrow where the leader (Senzeni) lost his life.
Then after the death of Senzeni, who was shot in the process of protest, everyone thought twice. The theme of this piece is to bring youth to the awareness of hardships that freedom fighters went through.

“Not only blacks were oppressed, but whites in Ireland also. This piece is to explore such overlooked factors”, said Bongani Titana who is the director of this piece.

The crowd admired the ending that expressed an emotion which indicated the power of the word and freedom.
“This show for me is hectic and nice at the same time. Performing in front of people is challenging but I live and love what I do, that is what keeps me going”, Ntuli implied.

By Moses Moreroa

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