DURBAN University of Technology and the Department of Drama and Production Studies is staging the musical, Spirit and Bones, at the Courtyard Theatre on the Steve Biko campus in Mansfield Road, Berea, from August 13 to 15.

Created by Thapelo “Mthakathi” Motloung, Spirit and Bones is directed by DUT lecturer Siza Mthembu, with musical direction by Sizwe Nzimande of Ukhozi FM’s soapie Kusa Kusa.

“As its title implies, Spirit and Bones is about abangoma (traditional healers). The production addresses the uninformed stigma often attached to traditional healers, and aims to correct the mistaken perception of them as witchdoctors who are evil and unholy,” says Mthembu.

“The production unashamedly sings the praises of abangoma through music, dance and drama, while celebrating their roles within our society from days gone by to present day, as individuals who uphold and preserve the local traditions, culture and heritage of this continent.”

In 2010, Spirit and Bones was staged in at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, at PACOFS in Bloemfontein, and at the State Theatre’s Mzansi Fela Festival in Pretoria.

Says Mthembu, who directed Udwendwe luka kotto in 2014 and Untombazi in 2013, and worked on the film Between Friends and e.tv’s Ekasi Stories: “Thapelo ‘Mthakathi’ Motloung originally wrote Spirit and Bones in English. As it is significant piece on our cultural landscape, I decided to translate it into isiZulu in order to present it this year as DUT’s annual Zulu drama.

“We have been rehearsing the work over the past two weeks, and it will be performed by a cast of some 40 second-year students. A particular attraction is the wealth of traditional music featured in the play, which I felt was important for our students to get to know.”

The show can be seen at 7 pm from August 13 to 15. Tickets are R40 (adults), R20 (students and pensioners). Inquiries: Lebo Sibisi or Busi Mqadi at 031 3732194 or email lebohangs@dut.ac.za.