Backstage with Aubrey Sekhabi

Tymon Smith talks to Aubrey Sekhabi, the artistic director of the State Theatre who co-wrote Kalushi: The story of Solomon Mahlangu with Mandla Dube.

Mahlangu, an Umkhonto we Sizwe cadre, was wrongfully accused of murder and treason, and executed by hanging in 1979.

Q: What was the genesis of this production?

A: This time last year, I had just completed a production about a guy who was on death row for terrorism who had received a stay of execution. As I was doing it, I met a guy called Mandla Dube who said: "I've been doing some research on Solomon Mahlangu, the Rivonia Trial and a whole lot of freedom fighters."

He brought me the transcripts of the trial. I started reading about Solomon Mahlangu and I thought we could do this one. Being a cinematographer, Mandla wanted to make movies. I told him that in the case of film, he'd be looking for funds until he was blue in the face, but theatre we could start immediately.

Q: What was the production process like?

A: I started writing towards the end of last year. Mahlangu's mother, brother, his comrades and lawyer shared their stories with us. Armed with those stories, we were able to tell it from a personal perspective. I chose the cast according to the script, but there were also young people whom we auditioned and who are in the production. Rehearsals took five weeks, which is not long, but because of budget constraints, it was all we could do.

Q: What kind of reception have you had so far?

Amazing, amazing! Our attendance is good because it's beautiful theatre, it really is.

Q: What do you think it is that is attracting audiences?

A: If stories are told like Kalushi is, they work. There are some stories we always need to tell. For example, we see movies about the Vietnam war because we need to be reminded and I think that if you're doing cutting edge, contemporary theatre, it's always going to be well received.

Q: This is the second play in a series called The Legends of Freedom.What's next?

A: We're doing a play on the Rivonia Trial.

Q: Are there any plans to travel with Kalushi?

A: We hope we'll get to take it on tour. It's a work that can be seen anywhere and it appeals to old and young audiences.

Kalushi: The story of Solomon Mahlangu is on at the State Theatre, Pretoria, until May 23. For more info, call 012-392-4000 or visit www.statetheatre.co.za .