Muvhango boss emotional after inmates commend play

Durban – Celebrated Muvhango showrunner Duma Ndlovu said he became emotional when female inmates at Westville prison on Wednesday commended his play, The Game. 

"Just to watch the reaction of these women for the first time in a correctional institution was incredible. To hear the inmates say we are writing their stories was extremely emotional and touching."

Ndlovu was speaking to News24 at the prison moments after a showing of the fictional play which follows the story of eight women who are imprisoned under trying circumstances.

Ndlovu and the cast were praised for their production shown to around 200 female inmates.

An inmate who is serving a 15-year sentence for manufacturing drugs with her husband said she was greatly inspired by the performance.

"When I was on the outside I never cared much for theatre. But while in here, my interest piqued and I acquired a certificate in drama. This was an amazing performance. The emotions were so real. I hope to pursue a career in acting when I leave here."

The cast of The Game, a play about life in prison among female inmates, perform at Westville Prison @News24 pic.twitter.com/Wv16QkNy2G

— Kaveel Singh (@kaveels) December 21, 2016

'Surreal' experience for actor

Ndlovu said he wrote the play in the 1990s "when SA was not as united as we thought it should be".

"From then even until now, society is still a bit harsher to women. I want to reflect the lives of these women. I am saying we should be gentler and kinder to society, particularly the women."

Nqobile Ndlovu, a 22-year-old actor who plays Baloyi, a loud boisterous inmate, said her experience performing to female inmates was "surreal".

"When I got here today, I met the prisoners who have lived what I was trying to portray. It was so surreal."

KwaZulu-Natal correctional services spokesperson Thulani Mdluli said he hoped the professional performance would inspire the inmates to become involved in the arts when they leave prison.

"We do have drama as part of our rehabilitation programme but Mr Duma brought a professional production to us. This is an opportunity for correctional services to give back professionalism to society. When these women leave, we hope they will want to get into something like this."