The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, known as Wits University, is a top-tier, multi-campus public research university, founded in 1922. Covering 400 acres, in Braamfontein and Parktown, Wits University has 11 libraries and 18 halls of residence, the latter holding 15% of its approximately 40000 student population. Through the Africa Engineering and Technology Network, Afretec, Wits has strong partnerships with various Universities in Africa.
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The opportunity for Ruth to sit with Phala Ookeditse Phala and Tony Bonani Miyambo presented itself serendipitously.
A few days after watching a reprise of Kafka’s Ape at the Baxter Theatre, Ruth was on the very stage where the performance took place in conversation with the vibrant thespians.
Phala and Tony are magnificent in collaboration and through their production company, Noma Yini, have produced stellar, internationally acclaimed plays, amongst them Kafka’s Ape, which premiered at the National Arts Festival Fringe in Makhanda, in 2015.
Without delay, the conversation ignites the mind with the depth of the discourse so easily generated by the ease and confidence with which Phala and Tony express themselves. The value of language in communication, succinctly expressing the intellectual and lived challenges of humanity in general, makes their work universal. In Africa especially, Phala Ookeditse Phala and Tony Miyambo Bonani, are impossible to overlook.
In this conversation, light-hearted in its tempo, Phala and Tony’s genius is on display. One can see why the international accolades. One’s appetite is deliciously awakened to watch all their productions, and understand the layers of truth and awakening, that lie in their lines.
Accolades for Kafka’s Ape include:
Lustrum Award: Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2024)
Graham F. Smith Peace Foundation Award Adelaide Fringe Festival (2020)
Outstanding Performance Award: Prague Fringe Festival (2019)
Best Satire Award: United Solo Festival in New York (2019)
Best Public Performance: Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Award (2018)
Silver Ovation Award: South African National Arts Festival (2015)
Twendeni, Africa is Ready!
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