Pelegi play highlights injustices on African Spirituality
By CityLife Arts Writer
The Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 which was enacted whilst South Africa was not a secular state, according to law experts, did not do much to distinguish between what is spirituality and witchcraft. African spirituality enthusiast, Tshegofatso Mabele, zooms on the unjust consequences of the act on African spiritual communities in the Afrocentric play Pelegi which she wrote and directs. Set to show at the South African State (SAST) from 22 to 27 November 2022, the play looks closely on a community that is threatened with incarceration and executions for practicing their ancestral beliefs.
Pelegi, meaning birth in Setswana, follows a priest who opens a church in a black community and begins to enforce the witchcraft suppression act against people who believe in ancestors. As a result of their spiritual oppression, a curse befalls the community. Nora, who is Dikeledi’s mother, tries to protect her daughter from the community discovering that she has an ancestral spiritual gift. When Nora realises that Dikeledi is struggling to keep her gift contained, Nora is forced to break the law to not only save Dikeledi’s life but also the lives of others.
Mabele comments: “For the longest time, I was wondering why some of us, mostly Africans were raised to praise religion but vilify African Spirituality and when I came across the Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957, I understood where the fear stemmed from and that’s where my journey started in demystify African Spirituality.”
A professional directorial debut for Mabele, Pelegi first showcased in March when it featured in the SAST’s 2021/22 Incubator Programme. Under the programme, Mabele had the pleasure of being mentored by accomplished theatre-maker Makhaola Ndebele. She is a vibrant young woman who is rooted in the passion of developing and creating more African Spiritual stories. With over 10 years of experience in performing arts, mostly as a performer, she played lead roles in award-winning productions such as Kedibone by Gabriel Masenya, Who’s Next by Variety Oageng, and Napo Masheane’s KHWEZI SAY MY NAME.
Pelegi features performers Thulani Ramogototane, Mongikazi Mabedumane, Oltlametse Masilo, Boitumelo Rebaona, Fezile Magudulela, Masego Modiba, CLT waAfrik and Zaza Cala. This uncompromising drama is diversly rich with multilingual dialogue and performed with captivating music directed Zusakhe Ngqame.
Tickets for Pelegi are R130 at Webtickets- available online, at the State Theatre, and Pick n Pay stores nationwide.