A must-see production employing four official languages, plus Scamtho lingo, can be watched in the André Huguenet Theatre at Pacofs in Bloemfontein.
The play by Kgafela oa Magogodi is presented in association with Swart Gevaar Productions, and is performed every day from Thusday, 22 February, to Saturday.
In Chilahaebolae, re vaya le di saambenche (friends) whose stories are well-known in southern Africa and beyond are featured.
This is an action-packed musical satire fashioned from the wealth of African fable.
Drawing scenes with the language of anticipatory dance drama, the play tells the story of Phokobje (jackal) Phiri (hyena) and Mpja (dog).
Phokobje, Hunguhwe or Mpungushe is a trickster figure we recognise from folklore; Phiri the parasitic companion; and Mpja, the docile figure.
They face the harsh realities of a world interrupted by Motho (human being).
Water reserves are dry, and food is scarce in the ko Nageng (veld).
The trio band together to scrape for dipapa le mavati.
Temperamental journeys toss them into Chilahaebolae, a place of plenty.
Chilahaebolae interlinks environmentalism, folklore and African language to help us understand contemporary challenges.
Water scarcity is a running theme throughout the play.
Through metaphor, humour and music, the importance of environmental preservation is emphasized.
Animal proxies allow us to tap into age-old fables and to enthral audiences of different ages.
The music spans genres and the dialogue is in various languages – Tswana, Pedi, Scamtho, English and Afrikaans – thus appealing to audiences from different backgrounds.
This play is suitable for audiences of all ages.
Entrance costs R100 and R80 (block booking).
Tickets are available at the Pacofs booking office and on webtickets.co.za.
The play will start at 18:00, daily.
