The Funeral

3.00 (6)

The Funeral

7 performances between Aug. 5, 2014 and Dec. 3, 2016
Theatre
Written and performed by Mpapa Simo Majola • Mentor/Director Phala O. Phala • Choreographer Billy Langa
60mins
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Through movement, poetry and monologues, Mpapa Simo Majola reveals in moments of physical and lyrical performance a restless soul who cannot find peace in death. In vignettes and disconnected monologues, The Funeral is a meditation on our own fraught connection with life and death.
Scotch finds his spirit caught up in the space of limbo, where he is yet to find the right hand of God or the sensation of burning from the eternal flames of Hell. Through text and movement Scotch invites us to the world he perceives as the space of nothingness. 
This show takes place at the South African Sendinggestig Museum (The Slave Church) at 40 Long Street
‘’This young artist is reaching for the stars’, if you have not seen his play The Funeral I would prompt you waste no time and find out where they will be showing next." ­ - Dikgang Dube, Daily Sun

"What really comes through when watching The Funeral is Majola’s love for playing with language, presented in a hypnotic beautifully turned out phrase." - Theresa Smit, Cape Argus

"The Funeral is the best poetical show I have seen so far, their beautiful poetry accompanied by grounded acting makes this epic body of work a must see." –Neil Coppen,­ Think Theatre

Mpapa Simo Majola
Simo Majola works as a writer, director, actor, and choreographer; his collaborations include works with various Production companies, play-writers, humanitarian organizations, community groups, filmmakers and musicians. He has spent all his artistic years as a freelance practitioner, writing for organizations like Ox Farm GB, South African History on line, Goethe institution, RapeNomore.org, Ethekwini municipality. His work centers around a broad spectrum, of social, historical, township mythology and cultural interest.

Billy Langa (Choreography) 
Billy Langa, is a graduate of the Market Theatre Laboratory, and co-founder and Artistic Director of Kofifi Theatre Company, based in Sophiatown at the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre (THMC). Billy started his career professionally in 2010 at THMC with a production by UK based theatre company, Tongues of fire Youth theatre Company. “Zanandule -The Spirit of the Elephant” (Uk & SA) Directed by Alexander Gifford. “Ubuntu-Spirit” (UK & SA) Contacting the World 2010 Manchester. Billy continues to search and explore his love for Physical Theatre with “Le Club” at Well Worn Theatre.

Phala O. Phala (Director/mentor) is a wits graduate and an award winning director. His direction of Kafka's Ape  earned him a standard bank ovation award at the 2015 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.


Audience Responses

I thought that the actor, Mpapa Simo Majola, has a wonderful quality. He is riveting to watch, and obviously has a great future as an actor. While I was never bored, I felt that the play itself needs focus.

Charles • Attended Aug. 12, 2014, 7 p.m.

Very good, and thank you ,again, for the complimentary ticket.

Michael • Attended Aug. 12, 2014, 7 p.m.

Not impressed. The performance was only 30 minutes, one person performing. I thought it was going to be 1 hour. Expensive for such a short time. Content, for me, not so interesting. John Aspinall

John • Attended Aug. 5, 2014, 7 p.m.
2.0

A beautiful and very engaging performer. Some lines jumped out at me and hit me right in the chest. Ethereal, and quite, quite wonderful.

Tara • Attended Aug. 13, 2014, 7 p.m.
4.0

I really enjoyed the presentation. Would have like it more if he had an Q & A session afterwards. I enjoyed learning of the Cafe and this type of venue for artists in poetry, particularly. Please tell the young Man/poet...to keep in touch with me along his journey in art...I would love to support his talents in some way. Ask him also if he has read Zake Mda works on the 'Mourners'....I think they have much in common to explore the cultures of death.... Excellent presentation. Peace, Joy and Blessings, Mrs. Carter

Mrs. Pat L. • Attended Aug. 16, 2014, 3 p.m.
4.0

The young actor was compelling and the material thought provoking and imaginatively performed. I felt a director was needed that could flesh moments out as well as technically expanding the actor and material. A thoroughly worthwhile little theatrical soupcon.