Return of the Ancestors

In the twentieth year of South Africa’s democracy, the Council of Ancestors send a delegation of two – Steve Biko and Neil Aggett – back to South Africa to determine whether the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the struggle against apartheid, was worth it. This satirical two-hander premiered on the Fringe at the National Arts Festival in 2014.

Introduction

Set in 2014, twenty years into South Africa’s democracy, this two-hander genuflects to the great South African theatre classic, Woza Albert. The Council of Ancestors decides to send two of their own back to South Africa to see whether their sacrifice in the struggle against apartheid has been worth it.

Steve Biko and Neil Aggett undertake the mission, and arrive in South Africa where they hear that the celebration to mark how well democracy has worked will take place in Nkandla. The play is about their journey en route to Nkandla….

First Production

National Arts Festival Fringe, 29 June-7 July 2014

Director

Mdu Kweyama

Cast

Mandisi Sindo

Siya Sikawuti

Seasons

National Arts Festival Fringe, 29 June-7 July 2014

Artscape Heritage Festival, 6-15 November 2014

What the Critics Said

“Forget the term ‘razor-sharp wit’. Instead, prepare yourself for satire that hits more like a stabbing javelin. Gut-bustingly funny while at the same time underlining South Africa’s sad political state, Return of the Ancestors shines a spotlight on how former political activists might view the new South Africa.”

Lauren Vogt, What’s on in Cape Town, 11 November 2014

Availability of script and audio-visual material

The script is available on the website. There is no audio-visual material.