MBABANE-There are performances you watch and then there are performances that remind you why live theatre is scales out talent.
Day three of the October International Theatre Festival delivered precisely that kind of transcendent experience, with a powerhouse rendition of the South African satirical classic, Woza Albert!, led by legendary actors Hamilton Dlamini and Sibusiso Madondo.
For two solid hours, the duo held the Mbabane Theatre Club completely captive with pure, unfiltered, and raw talent. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, they commanded the space, sparking continuous waves of laughter that rippled through the audience from the very beginning until they finished.
This breathtaking showcase is part of an ongoing national tour, but its presence at the festival carried an extra layer of significance. Alongside his performance commitments, veteran actor Hamilton Dlamini has been leading intensive acting workshops throughout the festival.
Watching him on stage served as the ultimate practical demonstration of the lessons he has been imparting to aspiring actors and actresses. Dlamini’s mastery was on full display as he effortlessly juggled more than three distinct characters throughout the play, shifting between personas.
His performance highlighted core theatrical principles that he has been teaching since day one maintaining absolute concentration amidst high-energy shifts. Seamlessly melting into any character demanded by the script.
Co-created by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon, Woza Albert! asks the provocative question: What would happen if Morena (Jesus Christ) returned to South Africa during apartheid?
Dlamini and Madondo breathed exhilarating new life into this vital text. Their performance, impeccable comedic timing, and profound emotional depth proved that the legendary status they hold in the South African entertainment industry is more than earned.
