The auctioning of souls

Is there any respect between people in general or is it an illusion? A play called ‘Auction of the century’ explores this in more detail.


Doctor V. Ngema, choreographer, performer, composer, dance teacher in the speciality of indigenous dances, he’s list of profession does not reflect his down to earth nature. He has travelled most of Africa, him having been a drama student himself. He proudly claims it was his mother who fuelled his passion to perform.

The director Gift T. Marovatsanga has been a drama lecturer at the University of Zululand since beginning October 2010. This humble short film director is from Zimbabwe and this is where he discovered his infatuation with performing arts.

Both Doctor V. Ngema and T. Marovatsanga decided to collaborate to bring this project to life. ‘Auction of the centaury, is a theatre play that tackles issues such as gambling, xenophobia , poverty, cultural differences and other sensitive subjects surrounding Africa people.

Marovatsanga says ‘The concept of the production is to evoke the minds of the viewer and get them to ask questions. To take a philosophical root, getting the African continent thinking beyond given boundaries’. This very foundation is the reason why Doc V. Ngema agrees. He believes that people are imprisoned from the true reality of the intentions of those in power. ‘The production does not aim to give a biased opinion of the two sides involved but rather gives the viewers the opportunity to decide for themselves’.

Have we auctioned our souls and given power to those who care about only themselves? I guess that’s for you to decide.

By Pumla Luthuli( CLfjp)