Hailed as one of the greatest South African novels, “Cry, the Beloved Country” plunges audiences into an emotional father and son journey. Picture: Supplied.
The Playhouse Loft Theatre will soon echo with the heartbreaking melodies and narratives of “Cry, the Beloved Country”, which will run from February.
This stellar production, adapted from Alan Paton's novel of the same name, promises to transport audiences back to 1950s South Africa, illuminating the tragic intersections of race, poverty and the quest for forgiveness.
Hailed as one of the greatest South African novels, “Cry, the Beloved Country” plunges into the emotional journey of a father, who ventures from his rural village to the sprawling city of Johannesburg in desperation to find his son, Absolum Khumalo.
This poignant tale unfolds against the backdrop of apartheid.
Directed by the seasoned theatre veteran Jerry Pooe, the musical delves into a racial story underscoring the stark disparities of life during this tumultuous era.
“It's a story about two boys, one black and one white, whose lives intersect in a moment of violence,” explained Pooe.
“Absolum, who grows up in poverty, gets entangled in a desperate act that leads to the death of a young white activist. Their fathers, both village priests, find their lives shattered in the wake of this tragedy.”
The production resonates deeply with contemporary issues such as land ownership and the implications of socio-economic deprivation.
“The story is about poverty and segregation experienced in the 50s and how apartheid pushed people to the edge to do things they usually wouldn’t do, if life was simply for them.”
“One of the themes that come across in the production is land issue, which is still a hot topic in today’s society. It shows how by depriving people the right to own land to farm, it can push them to the edge.
“It also revolves around forgiveness, the black priest seeks forgiveness from the white priest for what his son has done.”
“I know that sometimes our children often express disinterest in learning about the past but it’s important to know your history so that you can shape your future. They need to see what happen so that they can ensure that it doesn’t repeat itself.
The adaptation sees Pooe transforms Paton's novel into a vibrant musical aimed predominantly at school audiences, but the general public is invited to.
"Our young audiences will witness the blend of beautiful music and captivating storytelling, reinforcing their connection to South Africa's rich heritage."
Utilising fresh talent, Pooe has cast a group of aspiring actors aged between 20 and 30, that he trained through the Playhouse Company’s Actors Camp programme last year.
“The outcome of that training was this play. The executives loved the level of professionalism of the play and for the first time, these students are going to produce a full-scale production at the Playhouse as part of their growth.
Pooe, who has an impressive three-decade-long career in theatre, recalled some of his most remarkable projects, including “Peace In The Valley”, “1976 The Musical” with “Cry, the Beloved Country” holding a special place in his heart as well.
“I really love these. They are all historical and I love history ... I love bringing history to life.”
His passion for theatre was ignited during high school when he penned a play about mining life in South Africa. "
“I did a show called ‘Not Again’. It was about the South African mines and life in the mines. I wrote it with my Grade 10 teacher at that time.
“I had just moved to Durban from Johannesburg. I was in to politics and Soweto was burning in 1987. My mom decided to send me to KZN to complete my schooling. At that time KZN was not as volatile as Soweto, but I needed to voice my anger and political frustration and I chose theatre to do that.
“I was really committed to continuing with the struggle but using theatre as a medium as a way to express myself. I first studied on weekends at the Upstairs Theatre with Sahah Essa and then I moved to the Stable Theatre with Kessie Govender. These two formed the base of my love for theatre.
“I remember doing ‘Steve Biko: The Inquest’ with Sarah and that really opened my eyes as to what I could do with theatre. That’s when I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Pooe acknowledges the challenges that contemporary theatre faces in an age dominated by technology and shifting cultural interests.
“It is dwindling because we are competing with technology. We are completing with kids that sit with cellphones, but we need to move around it.”
To tackle these challenges head-on, Pooe is integrating technology into his productions to create a symbiotic relationship between the two worlds.
“The revival of theatre representation starts with exposing young people to live performances," Pooe said.
He encourages parents to encourage their children to go to the theatre, especially for productions like “Cry, the Beloved Country”.
“Parents should always encourage their kids to go and watch theatre shows. This show is great for people to get to know about their history. It is a beautiful production that has beautiful music and dance, so while you’re learning, you will be entertained as well.”
Where: The Playhouse Loft Theatre.
When: February 3 to 28. Show times differ, depending on the day.
Cost: Entry is free.