New political thriller Interrogation Room premieres at SA State Theatre

By CityLife Arts Writer

It is a new political stage playing mainly featuring seasoned talent on both the stage and TV, that is meeting fresh talent, and it is taking place this Month, September Heritage Month in South Africa.

From 7 to11 September 2022, the South African State Theatre (SAST) in partnership with Black Light Creatives will be premiering Interrogation Room, a new stage thriller uncovering apartheid secrets involving the abduction of a young freedom fighter by police.

Featuring renowned stage and screen actor Peter Mashigo alongside dynamic thespians Richardt Nel and Sabelo Motloung, the three hander is written by Refilwe Sibiya and directed Zwelibanzi Sibiya who are both industrious and accomplished theatre makers.

Set in 1986 during apartheid South Africa, Interrogation Room relays the story of Vusi Ndlovu, a young freedom fighter who is abducted by the Special Branch Police on suspicion of terrorism. He then finds himself at the hands of Lieutenant De Kok and Constable Themba Maseko and their brutal brand of law enforcement. The story is told through the recollection of events as told by Themba Maseko at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in the nineties.

Mashigo who is dynamic and well known from South African television and theatre, portrays the character of Themba Maseko. At the helm of the of De Kok, the production introduces Nel who is a talented story teller in many languages including Afrikaans, Arabic and Russian which he learnt while living the Ukraine. The role of Vusi Ndlovu is portrayed by the talented Sabelo Motloung, who brings raw talent and emotion to the story.

“The story of Vusi Ndlovu as heart-breaking as it is, it was not an isolated incident. And as the creators we wanted to portray the notion of ‘law versus justice’. We believe these stories are still relevant today because it clear that the “turn of Freedom’ in South Africa still left a lot to be desired,” says Sibiya.

Sibiya brings his unique perspective of storytelling as director of this masterpiece. As an accomplished theatre & television director, playwright and published author, he brings a multidimensional portrayal of this provocative play.

Tickets for Interrogation Room can be purchased for R120 at Webtickets which can be accessed at the theatre, Pick n Pay stores and online https://bit.ly/3CeEHon