A story of a daughter from the Magi Tribe who rebels against patriarchy and questions her tribal customs.

The Character Ntombizonke, curses the womb that brought her to this earth. The land of Zania is barren, until a prophet claims that only Ntombizonke’s virginity can remove the curse. When she challenges the authority of her elders and the meaning of tradition, this violates the ancient law of her forefathers and it is up to her people to deal with her actions and please the ancestors.

A journey of self-discovery that will reveal her real identity, values and traditions will be tested. Would Ntombizonke go against her culture and disappoint the whole village? Pula!

This work premiered at the WITS Theatre SO SOLO Festival in October 2017. A piece birthed by Hannah Nokwazi van Tonder and Paul Noko. The work is co-written by both Hannah and Paul. The story basis itself off real events that both Hannah and Paul have faced and had to deal with in their personal lives. The realities of this story create a deeply rooted emotional journey that is softened by the use of metaphors used in the telling of the story. But the truth is that this story set in a fictional world holds the realities that young, black women face on a daily basis. The distinctly crafted use of props that Paul uses in many of his works, come to life on stage, and help communicate meaning through their symbolic use. And in it all, the question remains the same, Ngisiqalakuphi isiqalekiso sami?

Reviews:

“Crafted intelligently through innovation that seems too simplistic, this intricate tale managed to transport audiences to the land of Zania, inhabited by the people of the earth and the people of the water. We follow the journey of the first girl born of both peoples and watch her transition from a child to a woman. This transition is captured through the lens of the body becoming a site which is claimed by patriarchal traditions and cultures, objectifying the woman’s body.”

Katlego Chale

“At first, it’s difficult to believe or understand that that small incident which corrupts a great sheet of fabric covering the stage, is a human being, and yet as the play unfolds and takes you hither and yon through ritual and ancient tradition, contemporary quasi-urban values and a whole litany of prayer, you get to understand how the gesture and belief, the need for water and the love of the land interface, under the steerage of this one performer.”

Robyn Sassen

Audience Responses

Thanks for POPart. I am in love with the whole idea of it. As an artist i was moved by the actress in the "Cursed Vagina" she is a gifted talent however i did not enjoy the story. There were a lot of things going on at the same time & i feel that it is the right time now to start telling current stories. And i will bring those stories to the POPart stage.

3 The accent of the actress was difficult to understand but the prop work was great. The main idea was communicated, but I suspect I lost some of the finer points,

great that you are doing new and experimental stuff