!ke e: /xarra //ke: A New African Folk Tale is a 45 minute work-in-progress (as specified in its Fringe description), devised and performed by the husband and wife team of Melonie and Sifiso Mazibuko. Both are South African expats and theater makers who have created Mazibuko Productions to foster discourse around discord. Sifiso is black; Melonie is white. The heart of the discord is racial politics: both personal and collective.
The Mazibukos are luminous and likable performers. Whether drumming, dancing, singing or devising their way through this show, they are compelling to watch. They let us know up front that the set-up for the performance was a combination of tales, songs and conversation. We learned the questions they get asked about South Africa — “Do you speak Spanish?” among them. We learned the distinction between “black” and “colored.” We learned about apartheid. We learned the nationalities of several people in the audience.
A few minutes in, I peeked at my Fringe Guide, trying to see if the Mazibukos show was for children or at least got a “Family Friendly” tag. While this performance does indeed have “Multi-Cultural Themes,” “Variety” and “Physical Theatre,” as indicated in the guide, it is decidedly didactic and feels like perfect fare for children or families.
After the performance I asked two children who had attended if they enjoyed it. Althea, 10, explained that Phoenix, 8, already learned this in school. Both agreed it was good. They particularly liked the parts with the animals.
In terms of Fringe fare, I would have preferred more edge, more adult fare, more reveal. But if you are looking for a 45-minute respite from heady, challenging works, this is a great show to add to your list. Bring the kids. See if they already know more than you do about apartheid, Mandela and diversity.
Stacy Sims is a novelist, playwright and activist. Her work has been produced in Cincinnati, Los Angeles and New York. She also enjoys writing about art and theater.
Read the official 32-page FRINGE FESTIVAL GUIDE here and find the full performance lineup here.
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2015.
