Low turnout for Stitsha premiere

A low turnout characterised the five-day premiere of Stitsha at Amakhosi Cultural Centre which began last Wednesday evening with one evening recording just seven people. Rehearsals were three weeks behind schedule due to financial problems and the premiere date had to be moved from 3 to 15 August.

In an interview, director of Qhube Productions, Sihlangu Dlodlo, said the blame was on them as they did not have money to put up posters and advertise the show.

He said despite all that the production went well.

"With the few people who came for the show the performing artistes were not deterred and did a splendid job.

"On Thursday we had our lowest turnout where only seven people came for the show. This was because we did not have funds to put up posters or to advertise in the local media," said Dlodlo.

He said on Saturday, because of load shedding, they had to cancel the show.

"We had to cancel the show on Saturday but today (Sunday) we have a generator on standby," said Dlodlo.

He commended the production team for meeting the new premiere date.

"The play was supposed to be premiered on 3 August but had to be moved to 15 August.

"The production team worked hard and at times knocked off at 11pm in order meet deadline," said Dlodlo.

He said the play would be ready for the Intwasa Festival next month.

Stitsha is a play about a woman's struggle to be recognised and listened to when she wants to produce a play.

Her father wants her to marry a rich businessman instead. Stitsha was aired on ZBCTV and was a hit on the national broadcaster.

The late Beatar Mangethe played the lead role of Thuli during the airing on ZBCTV.

Mangethe died in June 2010, three months after the death of her husband and footballer, Lenny Gwata.

She had acted in stage plays written by Cont Mhlanga, among them Hayaya Ho, Mdawini, Don't - Ungaqali, Chakwatu - Our Culture, Making a Difference, Hello and Goodbye, Lamuhla Kuyizolo, UNoma kaMafu and Stitsha.

She became famous for her role in local drama Hlengiwe Mntanami and had four albums Sizomlobola, Lithini Ngalezi, Ngeze Africa and Succeed.

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