The Making of Umkhosi Wenala

Restoring Lost Histories and Memories 

In a region marked by the legacies of apartheid, certain perspectives and histories have been marginalized in decision-making processes. Umkhosi Wenala aimed to re-map these lost histories and memories by placing the leadership in the hands of KZN youth. Through interviews and stories of co-collaborators on the theatre project, such as Dr. Philile Mbata, Mpume Mthombeni, Spha Mzobe and Mbali Ntuli, the film explores how the production was created as a means of amplifying the untold stories from the region. 

The film explores how, over a period of 18 months, the team set out to listen to stories of elders, youth and everyone in between in Northern KZN to surface the rich and diverse histories of this region. With the legacies of apartheid, many perspectives and histories had been excluded in decision making, and this play set out to re-map these lost histories and memories alongside the leadership of KZN youth. 

From out of the research, the team created a 60 minute musical (told in isiZulu and English) which tells the story of two twins, a brother Nkosana and sister Makhosazana who inherit a kingdom after the disappearance of their mother, a queen, said to have drowned in the ocean. The two Nkosi’s, destined to rule together, are divided by circumstance and political forces beyond their control. After two decades of betrayal and conflict between their competing kingdoms, the situation further escalates with the arrival of a fence which cuts the communities off from their village and resources and resurfaces past tensions and new resentments. The production weaves together many relevant moments from the last century of Northern Zululand’s history and uses humour, pathos, satire, ritual and music to tell its story.

The musical, performed in both isiZulu and English, revolved around the story of twin siblings, Nkosana and Makhosazana, who inherit a kingdom and face division, political forces, and past tensions. Umkhosi Wenala skillfully weaved together relevant moments from Northern Zululand's history, utilizing humour, pathos, satire, ritual, and music to convey its narrative. 

Building Capacity and Creating Alternative Maps

The film also unpacks our work as One Ocean Hub and Empatheatre, where it aimed to impact two fronts. Firstly, it created a powerful theatrical spectacle where audience members actively participated in a "call and response" storytelling process that reshaped the land, generating an "alternate archive" from the local perspective. Secondly, the project focused on capacity building for 13 young artist-activists, empowering them to become advocates for their communities surrounding the World Heritage Site. Collaborating with local knowledge holders, the participants engaged in ongoing dialogue, ensuring their stories and insights were accurately represented in the final production. 

Impact and Future Possibilities 

The film also reflects on Umkhosi Wenala’s significant impact on the community. Over 1,500 residents, learners, and stakeholders attended the production, fostering dialogue and understanding. The project's inclusive approach, incorporating diverse voices and stories, ensured cultural authenticity and accountability in representation. Moreover, the production's potential as an alternative public consultation methodology and archive opens opportunities for its use in Environmental Impact Assessments, Policy consultations, and Strategic Environmental Assessments. The project provided a platform for the Mbazwana participants to expand their creative practices into new territories, becoming experts in the socio-cultural histories of the region. By embracing restorative public storytelling and empowering youth, Umkhosi Wenala serves as a catalyst for social change, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage.