Theatrical thriller XOVA back on stage to examine single motherhood
By CityLife Arts Writer
Single motherhood is under scrutiny in a play headed to Playhouse in Durban.
Keeloz Global Entertainment in association with The Playhouse Company present XOVA production written and directed by Joseph Komani- Winner of the 2019 Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award. Naledi Award’s Best Play, Best South African New Script, Best Director, Best Supporting Act and Best Costume/Prop Design winner.
XOVA, ‘Ukuxova’, a Xhosa word meaning to prepare dough for home-baked bread, is a metaphor for the process of raising a child, which is exposed in the narrative.
The endured hardships of solo parenthood and father absenteeism is brought to stage for examination. Set on a dry and dusty village on the outskirts of Eastern Cape, Xova follows a young woman in a heavily disadvantaged family bringing a healthy child to life and having to raise it without the father.
Her husband abandoned the family after being retrenched from his job and he has no idea of himself being a father. His wife, only in her early 20s, is left to be a sole breadwinner for her family and new born.
The performance art is articulated with a text of isiXhosa mixed with English, the body language and emotions carry the story in movement.
“The story is told through song and movement, with a blend of a visual 3D feel, enhanced by elements of symbolism and minimalism.
Tickets can be booked via webticket
Venue: The Playhouse Company Time: (Wed to Sun) 3pm & 7pm General Public | 1pm Matinees for Schools Cost: R80-R150 Call: 031 369 9540 Email: xovaproduction@gmail.com Website: www.playhousecompany.com Facebook: The playhouse Company Twitter & Instagram: @durbanplayhouse