Theatre: Isidlamlilo/ The Fire Eater
29 September at 20:00
Bloemhof Girls’ High School
Set against the backdrop of a post-apartheid South Africa, Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater tells the story of a Zulu woman who reflects on her life’s journey – her hardships, her trauma, and the inner fires she has had to contend with.
Actress Mpumi Mthombeni, playing Zenzile Maseko, channels raw emotion during her performance in Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater, a one-woman show presented at Bloemhof Girls’ High School as part of the Woordfees festival. Photo: Woordfeees.
One of the most captivating aspects about this play is its ability to tackle important issues. This gripping one-woman show, written by award-winning playwright Neil Coppen, delves into the life of a grandmother, Zenzile Maseko, conversing with God, as she navigates the haunting complexities of her past and present.
Mpume Mthombeni’s captivating portrayal of Zenzile drew me into a world of resilience, humour, and heartbreak.
With razor-sharp wit and vulnerability, Mthombeni masterfully weaves tales of her character’s childhood, love, loss, betrayal and survival. Her portrayal of a woman both victimised and empowered by her past is layered and nuanced, reflecting the socio-political tensions that still affect South Africa today.
With her back turned, Zenzile Maseko, played by Mpumi Mthombeni, reveals the hauntingly beautiful scars cast by lighting, resembling the Tree of Life – symbolising her pain and resilience in Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater. Photo: Woordfees
Storytelling at its best
The lived-in set, coupled with evocative sound design including thunder, lighting, rain and radio broadcasts, created an immersive experience. The clever use of lightning and special effects, like rain running down the window, added depth to the narrative.
The only possible downside might be the heavy emotional weight of some of the content.
The Fire Eater does not shy away from depicting the horrors of apartheid-era violence, including black-on-black crimes between the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC), and the scars left behind. As a result, the play demands emotional investment from the audience, which may be intense for some, as it was for me. However, this intensity is precisely what makes The Fire Eater such a powerful and transformative piece of theatre.
A must-see experience
The Fire Eater is a masterpiece of storytelling, tackling difficult subjects with grace, humour and nuance. It is a profound, thought-provoking work that will definitely leave you reflecting long after the curtain falls.
Mthombeni’s performance will leave you spellbound and reflective. Experiencing her on stage alone is worth the price of admission, but when combined with Coppen’s incisive writing, The Fire Eater becomes an unforgettable theatrical experience.