UMabatha

uMabatha is a 1970 play written by South African playwright Welcome Msomi.[1] It is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in the Zulu Kingdom during the early 19th century, and details how Mabatha overthrows Dangane.

Described as Msomi's "most famous" work,[2] uMabatha was written when Msomi was a student at the University of Natal; it was first performed at the University's open-air theater in 1971. In 1972, it was performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Aldwych Theatre as part of that year's World Theatre Season,[3] and has subsequently been performed in Italy, Scotland, Zimbabwe, and throughout America,[4] including a "very successful off-Broadway season in 1978".[5]

  1. ^ Brantlet, Ben (27 July 1997). "UMABATHA: THE ZULU MACBETH (When Birnam Wood Comes To South Africa, Look Out)". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  2. ^ "Daphney Hlomuka: Much-loved actress". The Times. 5 October 2008. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Umabatha, West End (1972)". Broadway World International Database. Retrieved 14 October 2009.
  4. ^ "'UMABATHA – The Zulu Macbeth' Celebrates Origins of Zulu Nation With Drama, Music and Dance Oct. 2–5 at Wiltern". UCLA News. 19 August 1997. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  5. ^ "Shakespeare in South Africa: African Appropriations". Internet Shakespeare. Archived from the original on 30 March 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2009.