DIM-DEP: Faces of Environmental Success, a new South African musical with a strong environmental and heritage theme, will be staged in the Playhouse Loft Theatre in Durban from July 2 to 5.

The title is inspired by the sound produced by beating an African drum, especially with hands. It is also an abbreviation of Drum and Indigenous Music Development Project — an ongoing initiative run by Atlas Philani Duma’s Sagiya Productions.

Starring Nonkululeko Mchunu, Cherise Hlengiwe Filen, Ntokozo Ngcobo and Lee Ngamlana, with music by Duma, Smanga DJ Sweet Bhengu and Thonbani Mbatha, this musical is classic “edutainment” — an engaging story with a strong environmental message.

The story, crafted through a blend of dialogue, poetry, music, dramatic prose and monologues, is told over two time periods: contemporary urban and Stone Age

The narrators are two women, Sindy and Mpume, who meet in the rainforest near the Drakensberg mountains. Through flashbacks they reflect on the life of early men and women living in the mountains.

The story talks to responsible, environmentally-aware living, reminding audiences of the need to be self-sufficient, nurture the environment, minimize pollution, limit use of power and look back to age-old skills such as agriculture, responsible use of animal products and environmental sustainability.

“The story is a reminder to us all to take care of the environment,” says Duma. “We are reminded that we cannot survive on digital devises alone! Other issues which are touched on, include awareness in cultural development and our rich heritage.”

Dim-Dep also features a great musical score comprised of Afro blues, jazz, bebop, pop, maskandi, Afro jazz and house.

Showtimes are 7 pm on July 2, 3 and 4 and 3 pm on July 5.

Tickets are R80 at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers stores and from the Playhouse Company.