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Lion of Gaza: A tale of heroism and sacrificeBUZ Publicity02/05/2010 15:41:55 
The Windybrow Theatre travels back in time to 19th-century Mozambique for its second production of the year, Lion of Gaza, which opens on 17 February 2010. Written and directed by Dan Seroba, the play will enjoy a brief run - until 28 February - in the Windybrow Main Theatre. Inspired by true historical events, Lion of Gaza tells the story of King Nghunghunyana of the Vatsonga-Machangana (Tsonga/Shangaan) nation. It is set in the Gaza region of Mozambique during the Portuguese occupation of the area - a strategic addition to the European nation's colonial acquisitions. King Nghunghunyana was the grandchild of the great Zulu warrior Soshangana, who broke away from King Shaka to carve out a new empire in Mozambique. However, Nghunghunyana's attempts at defeating foreign encroachment in Africa both diplomatically and militarily were stymied when he was betrayed by those closest to him. Captured and deported to Portugal as a prisoner of war, he died in that country some years later. Meanwhile, the Gaza Empire had collapsed. Ten years after Mozambique's independence, the Portuguese president finally returned King Nghunghunyana's remains to Mozambique, handing them over to then-president Samora Machel. Lion of Gaza aims to entertain while it informs about a significant chapter in Africa's history, and one of its most heroic sons. The cast includes Themba Hlongwane, Sindile Mathebula, Bennerth and Eunice Ngobeni, Tshepo and Kagiso Seroba, Nsovo Baloyi and Rose Mabulu. Performances are at the Windybrow Centre for the Arts in Hillbrow from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, and on Sundays at 3pm. Tickets cost R45 from Tuesdays to Thursdays, and R55 from Fridays to Sundays, and are available at Computicket or the door. Phone 011 720 7009 for more information. Media Queries: Bridget van Oerle / Christabel Zulu BUZ Publicity 011 482 3467/3489 083 263 6991 FAX 011 388 4404 info@buz.co.za Web site: http://www.windybrowarts.co.za
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