Molora. Physical Theatre
Venue: St Andrews Hall
Next Performance: Friday 27 June 18:00
Review
By Ndalo Mbombo
Echoes of powerful prayers fill the dark as audience members file in, witnessing a chorus of four women standing over the grave, “Ngenelela Yehova” takes me to my very own moments of prayer, as I seat before what would soon drive my senses wild with fear, anticipation, anger, bewilderment, a shared desire for vengeance and a yearning for forgiveness. I catch my tears as they slide down my cheeks while Clytamnestra (played by Beata-Bellé Wessie) tells the tale of the sorrow she endured in the hands of Agamemnon her late husband. I cup my scream as it bubbles out of my mouth in the moment Electra (played by Keratilwe Bikitsha) moves through the haze in sync with the symphony of war created by the drum, chorus and cello – ready to strike Electra. Orestes, as if summoned by his sister’s tears emerges ready to reclaim his father’s house. Warmth fills the room as brother and sister reunite bringing hope in a home of hopelessness. I flinch with each swift movement and each gasp from chorus as they witness the ashes of the broken covenant between mother and children.
Will the ashes of the legacy of vengeance rise and consume this family or will reconciliation be the marker of a new covenant of love between mother and children?
The internationally acclaimed play captured the hearts of early festival attendants gathered in the St Andrews Hall. After 50 minutes of an intense and gripping story the performers took their first bow to a standing ovation. Molora has taken its first bow in Makhanda. Does further applause await?
