In the tradition of deeply political South African theatre, where entertainment and the social milieus intertwine without the interference of didactic message-making, there is Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars. Directed by 2022 Standard Bank Young Artists (SBYA) for Theatre, Theatre Duo – Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and written by 2020 SBYA.

and word-spitting AK47 J.Bobs Tshabalala, this highly contemporary and much needed satire makes its return from 17 November to 3 December at The South African State Theatre.

This epic satire is a theatrical look at the conspicuous interactions and not entirely lawful.

activities of our modern day South African political camaraderie – Comrades. The play dissects the deliberate and interwoven way the collaborative dealings between politicians and businessmen contribute to contemporary South Africa’s current chaotic political dispensation, and how it perpetuates an elitist culture of greed through the practice of corruption, utilizing the game of words or what one might call, “Comrade-speak” – that continuously reinforces the farce of socio-political revolution that is repeatedly promised to us, the masses.

The cast of celebrated actors include Lebohang Masimola as QINISO NXUMALO, Xolile Benjamin Gama as RONALD MULAUDZI, Tshireletso Nkoane as TSEBO RAPOO, Anelisa Phewa as SQALO HOKO and features Moagi Benjamin Kai as MXOLISI MTHEMBU. Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana (Theatre Duo) direct this exciting play with Ketsia Velaphi as Assistant Director with Set & Lighting Design by Denis Hutchinson, Music, and Sound Design (Jannous Aukema), Movement Direction by Ernest ‘Ginger’ Baleni, Projection Design by Nikki Pilkington and Costume Design by Lethabo Bereng.

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars provides an intimate all-seeing lens that pierces.

the darkness at the heart of the private political and business dealings that more often than not, disadvantage the poor by promising this ‘attainable’ democratic revolution. With the reference to the pseudo-cadres and politically connected businessmen right in the title, the figures responsible for the sewage running down our streets, the lack of drinking water, the potholes, the loadshedding, the unfathomable unemployment rate, the breakdown of critical hospitals and the ambassadors for self-serving negligence, will be hauled to the court of public view – the stage. Justice is about to be served.

This run is supported by Standard Bank and the production is originally produced by The Market Theatre and in association with National Arts Festival.

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars runs at The South African State Theatre from November 17 to December 3. There is an age restriction of 13 years and parental guidance is advised.

Booking is through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores.

NE Mafuyeka
Nkhensani@statetheatre.co.za
079 296 3871
South African State Theatre