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

Director

Welcome Msomi

Music

Welcome Msomi

Choreographer

Mafika Ngwazi; Mduduzi Zwane; Thuli Dumakude

Cast

Bhekisisa Mthembu	Umbulali 2 (2nd Murderer) (Murderer (2nd))
Buyani Shangase	Donebane, the Prince (Donalbain)
Buyani Shangase	Mabatha, the King’s Cousin (Macbeth)
Dieketseng Mnisi	Ka Madonsela (Lady Macbeth)
Lawrence Masondo	Dangane, the Prince (King Duncan)
Martin Iwara	Makhiwane, the Prince (Malcolm)
Mary-Ann Busie	Isangomi 3 (Witch (3rd))
Mbongwa Njilo	Umbulali 1 (1st Murderer) (Murderer (1st))
Mduduzi Zwane	Isipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Mduduzi Zwane	Linolo (Lennox)
Ndumiso Novukuza	Isipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Ndumiso Novukuza	Drunken King’s Guard
Philie Sibiya	Mchunu (Lady Macduff)
Promise S’Thembile Jali	Isangomi 2 (Witch (2nd))
Qed’umunyu zungu	Isipoki (Apparition)
Qed’umunyu zungu	Bhangane (Banquo)
Qond’okwakhe mngwengwe	Mafudu, the King’s cousin (Macduff)
Richard Hiatshwayo	Inceku (King’s Servant) (Servant)
Sean Dugen	Folose, Banquo’s son (Fleance)
S’Bongile Ngqulunga	Isangomi 1 (Witch (1st))
Thokozani Makhoba	Inceku (King’s Servant) (Servant)
Thokozani Makhoba	Indodana, Mafudu’s son (Macduff’s son)
Thokozani Makhoba	Isipoki (Ghost) (Apparition)
Thokozani Makhoba	Umbulali 3 (3rd Murderer) (Murderer (3rd))
Thokozani Makhoba	Angana (Angus)

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.

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