British Universities Film & Video Council

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Umabatha

Synopsis
A Zulu version of Macbeth incorporating music and dance. ‘Shakespeare’s Macbeth was chosen by Welcome Msomi as perfect source material on which
to base a Zulu adaptation, as it seemed ‘almost a carbon copy of the drama that took place in
the early nations of Africa.' The intrigue, plots and counter plots of the play echoed the Zulu
history of Shaka, a great warrior king who was also murdered by those closest to him. uMabatha draws a parallel between the Scottish clans and Zulu tribes, and was performed in historical Zulu costume. Traditional Zulu dances, storytelling and music were also woven into the performance’ [Shakespeare’s Globe Research Bulletin, op cit].
Language
Zulu
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Recording date
1997

Credits

Director
Welcome Msomi
Music
Welcome Msomi
Choreographer
Mafika Ngwazi; Mduduzi Zwane; Thuli Dumakude
Cast
Bhekisisa MthembuUmbulali 2 (2nd Murderer) (Murderer (2nd))
Buyani ShangaseMabatha, the King’s Cousin (Macbeth)
Buyani ShangaseDonebane, the Prince (Donalbain)
Dieketseng MnisiKa Madonsela (Lady Macbeth)
Lawrence MasondoDangane, the Prince (King Duncan)
Martin IwaraMakhiwane, the Prince (Malcolm)
Mary-Ann BusieIsangomi 3 (Witch (3rd))
Mbongwa NjiloUmbulali 1 (1st Murderer) (Murderer (1st))
Mduduzi ZwaneIsipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Mduduzi ZwaneLinolo (Lennox)
Ndumiso NovukuzaIsipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Ndumiso NovukuzaDrunken King’s Guard
Philie SibiyaMchunu (Lady Macduff)
Promise S’Thembile JaliIsangomi 2 (Witch (2nd))
Qed’umunyu zunguIsipoki (Apparition)
Qed’umunyu zunguBhangane (Banquo)
Qond’okwakhe mngwengweMafudu, the King’s cousin (Macduff)
Richard HiatshwayoInceku (King’s Servant) (Servant)
Sean DugenFolose, Banquo’s son (Fleance)
S’Bongile NgqulungaIsangomi 1 (Witch (1st))
Thokozani MakhobaIndodana, Mafudu’s son (Macduff’s son)
Thokozani MakhobaIsipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Thokozani MakhobaUmbulali 3 (3rd Murderer) (Murderer (3rd))
Thokozani MakhobaAngana (Angus)
Thokozani MakhobaInceku (King’s Servant) (Servant)

Additional Details

Theatre company
Msomi Company
Production type
Stage Recordings
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Black actors
Related items
Review [7/4/1972]

Notes

Notes
The entire play is performed in Zulu.
General
Umabatha was first staged in 1970 at the Natal University open-air theatre and was part of a world tour between 1973-1982, including performances in the UK at the Aldwych Theatre, London. It was also performed at the opening season of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in 1997 (where a video recording was made), and was brought back in 2001 as part of the ‘Globe-to-Globe’ initiative where every year productions from different areas of the world are invited to perform at the Globe, with the aim of exploring other kinds of theatre and cultures.
Reviews
Shakespeare’s Globe Research Bulletin, no. 25 (May 2005) includes a detailed introduction to the work and a rehearsal diary.

Production Company

Name

Shakespeare’s Globe Education

Email
library@shakespearesglobe.com
Web
http://http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/globeeducation/ External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0)20 7902 1433
Fax
+44 (0)20 7902 1401
Address
Globe Education
Shakespeare’s Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT

Archive

Name

Shakespeare’s Globe

Contact
Librarian
Email
library@shakespearesglobe.com
Web
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 7902 1433
Fax
+44 (0) 7902 1401
Address
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT

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