The Tyrant
Taji Arts

The Tyrant takes a look at a near-future envisioned as the end of white monopoly capital in South Africa when Malema's EFF comes to power. The tyranny that civil war brings, breaks families apart, bonds between friends is shaken, a country is divided between believers and non-believers, and whites flee. This causes a mirroring of Nazism in Germany, under Hitler, where millions were killed in the name of a revolution for its rightful landowners.
 


Paul and Zinga are two former fishermen on the Eastern Coast who are forced to live separate lives when civil war starts. Their three-decade-long friendship is turned into a feud when Paul joins Malemas Army and Zinga chooses to be part of the rebel group planning to overthrow the Tyrant. Paul plans Zinga's escape to a sanctuary in Mozambique where he can live as a free fisherman and feed his family. But when Athi's pregnant wife dies, all plans change…

 

The work was commissioned by Mandela Bay Theatre Complex as as part of the prize of the prestigious Isakhono Theatre Fellow Award. It delves into the complex moral and ideological journeys of two fishermen friends amidst fictional rule under ruleof EFF. With captivating performance and dynamic storytelling, this thought-provoking play captures the audiences imagination, portraying a gripping tale of loyalty, conflict, and revolution. This work was one of the audience favorite theatre pieces as it received a Standard Bank Ovation Award.

Production Credits

Writer - Xabiso Zweni

Director - Xabiso Zweni

Actor - Anele Penny

Set Design - Bantu Dama

Visual & Lighting - Shafiq Kalumo

Stage Manager - Mandlakazi Booi

 

About the Artists

Xabiso Zweni is a multiple award-winning writer, actor and director who has managed to cross over genres such as music, dance and theatre. He has presented work in Belgium, Holland and Germany as both director and actor. He’s also worked as Artistic Producer at Mandela Bay Theatre Complex for six years. He is currently Artistic Director at Taji Arts and Drama Facilitator at Masifunde Learner Development.

Publicity Info

  • Venue: Athenaeum Studio Theatre
  • Location: The Athenaeum
  • Ticket price: ZAR 80.00
  • Programme type: Theatre
  • Genre: Theatre
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Ages: ALL AGES
    • Strong Language
    • Violence
Athenaeum Studio Theatre
February 22, 2025 20:00 - 21:00
Athenaeum Studio Theatre
February 28, 2025 20:00 - March 28, 21:00
Athenaeum Studio Theatre
March 01, 2025 14:00 - 15:00