It’s local, it’s lekker, it’s … an Athenian tragedy. Yes, things haven’t changed much since 430BC and if you thought Sophocles was out of touch, think again. Prophets, patricide and incest are all still around, setting the stage for a thrilling whodunnit, Mzansi-style.

Wits Theatre, Wits School of Arts, in partnership with The Market Theatre presents a scintillating performance of Vumani Oedipus – an Africanisation of the classic murder mystery.

Directed by Wits lecturer Samuel Ravengai, Vumani Oedipus will run at the Market Theatre’s Barney Simon Theatre for seven performances only.

Ravengai has Africanised Oedipus Rex, situating the original play within a fictional nation called Nguniland. The play explores a man’s attempt to escape his awful destiny foretold at his birth by a sangoma.

“The philosophy of the play hinges on the power of the metaphysical world on humans, and already suits the African context where the interpenetration of metaphysics and reality is part of the African worldview,” said Ravengai. “Can man escape destiny reserved for him by the gods and/or ancestors? This is the riddle that play tries to solve.”

Vumani Oedipus was created by, and features, students (and a lecturer) from Wits School of the Arts as well as actors from the Market Theatre Laboratory.

“This partnership with Wits ties in perfectly with the intentions of the Market Laboratory drama school, to train young performers and theatre-makers to be professional, disciplined, and excellent in their craft. We are thrilled about the partnership between the Market Theatre and Wits,” said artistic director at the Market Theatre, James Ngcobo.

Vumani Oedipus stars the Market Theatre Lab’s Lucky Ndlovu as Oedipus, Sibusiso Mkhize (Creon), Nonkululeko Mdluli (the Priest), Nomfundo Shezi (Jocasta), Sandile Menze (from Wits Drama for Life, who plays Tiresi/Sangoma), Stembiso Khalishwayo (Lotshe/Messenger), Nash Pilingane (second messenger), Bradley Cebekhulu (Shepherd /Old man), Mpho Matshaya (Antigone), Ratanang Mogotsi (Ismene) and Sandile Mazibuko (Attendant 1).

Five Imbongis are played by Sarah Nansubuga, Amohelang Hlakotsa, Delisile Mzimela, Vuyo Madyibi (Market Theatre Lab) and Khuleka Xulu.

Vumani Oedipus opened at the Market Theatre’s Barney Simon Theatre on Tuesday, October 6 and runs until Sunday, October 11. Shows are at 8.15 pm, except for Saturday, October 10 (at 2 pm and 8.15 pm) and Sunday, October at 3.15 pm.

Tickets are available online at R60, at the door at R65. Students and pensioners pay R45 online and R50 at the door. The Thursday performance will cost R10.