Polishing the staging and story of a modern mining drama

IN HIS latest review, theater critic Bongani Ngomane examines a compelling new stage play that delves into the harsh realities of the mining industry. While praising the production's raw energy, expressive choreography, and poignant exploration of exploitation and survival, Ngomane offers a detailed set of observations and recommendations.

Production observations and recommendations

The production presents a compelling exploration of mining, sacrifice, survival and hope. Its portrayal of miners searching for a better future exposes exploitation, cheap labour, illness and broken dreams.

The inclusion of zama zama mining connects the work to contemporary concerns about inequality, migration and the struggle for resources. The ensemble sustains beautiful energy throughout, supported by strong performances, expressive choreography and effective use of language, particularly Sesotho.

Themes and narrative clarity

The themes are clear, and the relationship between social injustice and capitalism gives the production a strong foundation. The miners’ aspirations provide an emotional entry point into the consequences of exploitation.

The confrontation between the miners and police needs greater clarity. During the discussion, the director explained that the encounter is a trap.

This intention must be visible in the performance so that audiences understand whether the miners are protesting peacefully, defending themselves or initiating violence. Establishing the sequence clearly will strengthen the portrayal of power and brutality.

The references to undocumented Basotho miners and the killing of local citizens also require careful framing. Clarify who makes these accusations and how the production positions them. This will help distinguish a character’s prejudice or political argument from the perspective of the production.

Establishing the environment

My main concern is the consistency of the setting. Although the costume and set choices were explained, their purpose must also be communicated through the performance.

The director and performers should identify every location by name and establish its physical conditions. The mine, office, hospital and other spaces need clear boundaries, entrances, sightlines and imagined features.

If a character refers to a window, its position should remain consistent. Similarly, spying at the office requires a believable place of concealment.

The division of the stage into two areas needs a clear dramatic purpose. The substantial space at the back of the stage should either be used meaningfully or remain inactive for an identifiable reason.

Blocking and audience visibility

Several scenes would benefit from adjustments to positioning. The bench in the commissioner’s scene obscures the performer and results in the actor’s back being presented to the audience. Repositioning the bench and adjusting the performers’ angles will improve visibility.

The lieutenant can use diagonal positioning rather than standing rigidly towards another direction. This will allow audiences to see the face and profile while preserving the relationship between characters. The doctor and lieutenant scene has strong potential, but their placement needs refinement to give the exchange greater impact.

The hospital bed is well positioned. Diagonal blocking around it would improve the visibility of the actors. Seated and standing Basotho performers should also be arranged so that they do not mask one another.

The formation in which miners sit with their backs to the audience while the leader addresses them is effective. The gaps between their bodies create a strong visual composition. Preserve this choice while ensuring that other moments of facing away from the audience remain deliberate.

Performance and character development

The zama zama and Basotho performances are particularly engaging. When the Mosotho character asks the audience to cooperate, allow time for a response and engage directly with what the audience offers.

The police characters need further physical research. Their walk, posture, authority and responses to pressure should distinguish them from the miners. Explore power dynamics through proximity, stillness, vocal delivery and controlled movement.

The policewoman should recover her breath before speaking after dancing. Breath control will support clearer dialogue and maintain the character’s authority. The unionist’s girlfriend would benefit from remaining physically still during her key speech, allowing the words and emotional stakes to carry the moment.

The whisky drinking also needs a specific motivation. If it functions as a coping or survival mechanism, establish this through the character’s behaviour and circumstances.

Movement and choreography

The choreography is beautiful, but its beats, tempo and pace require greater definition. Lead movers should commit to larger, firmer movements where the sequence demands authority or collective strength.

The gunfire and ensuing chaos create a powerful theatrical moment. However, the sequence becomes excessive when sustained at the same intensity. Shape it through changes in rhythm, focus and stillness so that the violence retains its impact.

During “Lento esiyenzayo asinalo uvalo,” diagonal formations could improve visibility and strengthen the collective image.

Music and pacing

The music is sometimes too loud and risks overpowering the vocals. Rebalance the sound so that lyrics and dialogue remain audible.

Songs and spoken lines are frequently rushed, causing strong moments to pass before audiences can absorb them. Allow pauses after important revelations and emotional shifts. Transitions should emerge from the completed moment rather than anticipate the next scene.

Some songs can be taken down in volume and sung softly. This variation would create intimacy and give the larger musical moments greater force.

Set and props

The white stones do not yet convincingly read as gold. Review their appearance and establish how the performers use them to communicate their value.

The large drum needs a clear introduction and purposeful use. Its arrival should belong to the world of the production. The visible grid also draws attention and should be assessed in relation to the intended setting.

The band’s planned position behind the stage was explained. Ensure that this arrangement supports sound balance and the performers’ musical cues.

Overall assessment

This is a beautiful, relevant production with strong ensemble energy and considerable emotional potential. The priority is to clarify the environment, refine blocking, balance the sound and allow important moments more time. These adjustments will help the audience follow the story and experience the full weight of the miners’ struggle.