SA does Greek in the USA/Caster talks on FOX

SO the New York Times slams into MoLoRa (ash in seSotho).

South Africa's Yael Farber's modern take on the dated Sophocles's Elektra asking: "who goes to Greek tragedy expecting escapism?" plays at the Ailey Citigroup Theater at Joan Well Centrer for Dance, New York City.

Based on Elektra  (Jabulile Tshabalala) and Orestes (Sandile Matsheni) avenging of dad Agamemnon killed by mum Klytemnestra (Dorothy Ann Gould); the critical flaw, Eric Grode says, is the allusion of the mum-daughter tussle to South Africa's Truth and Reconcilliation Commission (TRC). Where the TRC showed forgive, forget et al, and Elektra looks at such as an alternative option, the critic from the hardcopy suggests such runs counter to the story of the endless cycle of retribution.

The "dubious" twists and turns aside, the show did have a redeeming factor: the Ngqoko Cultural Group replacing the Greek chorus. "The guttural plainsong and other vocals performed by this extraordinary septet of Xhosa musicians, who also accompany themselves on indigenous South African instruments, offer a rare conduit to the incantatory rituals that made the Greek dramas so essential," writes Grode.

For those appreciative of SA content and choral verse and opera; and the like gone with Sarafina, Miriam Makeba and the struggle; there's a likelihood of overkill to come.

Back in South Africa there's a musical on Winnie Mandela, struggle icon. And an opera in three parts based on  the life of world icon and her ex, Nelson Mandela.

Fueling the thirst for such consumption globally would most certainly be - Lord forbid but it's a reality - the shaking off the mortal coil by the legend man who turns 93 come July 18.

Broadway beware THERE WILL be a slew of SA nostalgia-tinged shows. The industry will churn them out in Jo'burg and marketing men will flog song and verse, T-shoots, books, art installations and cultural programmes and youth development programmes to instil icon and champion goals among the youth needy of and old story that rejuvenates the spirit. Stories will be told. But like with church, those making the cash will be the leaders. Followers will have their bellies fueled by spirit food. While theatre lovers who can fork out for top tickets can "cathart". Winner's we'll be!

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Caster Talks on FX (FOX Channels) TopTV Monday 7:50pm

TOO FAST TO BE A WOMAN: THE CASTER SEMENYA STORY plays exclusively on FX ONLY IN AFRICA, Season 2, TopTV Monday, 11 July.

“I don’t give a shit about athletics. I don’t care about running anymore,” she says humiliated over gender testing post her 2009 World Championship victory.

After a probe from the IAAF, the global athletics body, she was banned from the sport. Semenya almost quit sport in disappointment. The cameras have exclusive access to Semenya and follows the shy teenager from a village in Limpopo as she struggles to come to terms with what has happened and fights to return to competition.

The documentary is said to be a heart-rending and uplifting story of a young woman who overcame incredible odds. “I don’t give up, I’m not a quitter, if I start something I must finish,” she says.

 FOX Africa Director Thandi Davids says she was particularly proud to secure Semenya’s story for South African and African audiences.
“Our FX Only in Africa documentary strand aims to find relevant stories that have not been told. Throughout the ordeal, Semenya has not allowed media into her world as intimately as she has given access to the crew who brings us this human view.
“Semenya’s story is one of a strong line-up on our FX Only In Africa strand, and we are thrilled to give television audiences a “moving up-close-and personal” encounter with one of the greatest athletes in the world at present.”


∙         Too Fast To Be A Woman: The Caster Semenya Story airs on Monday, 11 July at 7:50pm on FX Only In Africa Season 2 on TopTV channel 110.