‘God of Women’ on show at national theatre

Veteran theatremaker Keamogetsi joseph Molapong returns to the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) with a production of Sifiso Nyathi’s acclaimed theatre play ‘God of Women’.

Starring Mervin Claasen, Toucy Tjijombo, Askar B Onyiego, Nguundja Kandjii, Tjiurimo Kandjii, Chrisjan Appolus, Kuzajatu X Maamberua and Philia Alfred, with a live score by musician Christiaan Eiseb, the play is on show from today to Friday at 09h00 and 11h00 after an opening run last week.

“The main plot is about an African king who had three wives and was getting a fourth because he wants to have an heir to his kingdom. All his other wives gave him girls, so he’s not a happy man. The subplots are the juicy plots where each of his wives has a tale to tell,” says Molapong.

“The play is about deception, betrayal, double standards and lies, twisting them in such a way that they look pretty. They look truthful.”

‘God of Women’ is a prescribed text for Grade 9s and is also studied at tertiary level. Tickets for Grade 9 pupils are free and local secondary schools are encouraged and welcome to block-book seats for pupils studying the text.

“We’ve had six performances so far. We’re really excited that we provide an opportunity to use theatre as a tool for education and to bring life to characters in text which children might not necessarily understand if they’re just doing it in classrooms,” says NTN spokesperson Desiree Mentor.

“We’ve had more than 600 children make their way to the theatre from Windhoek, Okahandja, and Rehoboth. We’re hoping to extend this to the other regions in the near future as well,” she says.

“If your school still hasn’t had a chance, please make sure to keep contact with us on pro@ntn.org.na or just telephone.” Mentor says.

“Amazing cast, amazing children. We’ve had great feedback so far.”

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com