UCT Drama to Present THE DEAD WAIT at Arena Theatre from 20 November

The University of Cape Town Drama Department will present an adaptation of Paul Herzberg's THE DEAD WAIT, directed by Mdu Kewyama, whose recent production of Mike van Graan's RETURN OF THE ANCESTORS was performed at the Artscaps Theatre Centre as a part of Artscape's tenth anniversary Spring Drama Season.

THE DEAD WAIT follows the journey of Josh Gilmore. Gilmore is a young athlete turned soldier. The audience follows him on his journey as a soldier in the Angolan War in 1980s to the creation of the New South Africa in the 1990s. The story is told through a combination of dance and text.

Josh Gilmore (Kai Brummer) is conscripted and sent into the bloodshed of Angola's civil war. When a village massacre uncovers a wounded political exile George Jozana (Dustin Beck), Gilmore's racist commanding officer Papa Louw (Alex McCarthy) orders him to carry Jozana for 50 kilometers back to the South African border. The play depicts their journey and growing friendship despite the racial tensions of the time.

The cast is rounded out by Nwabisa Plaatjie, Namisa Mdlalose and Zukisa Nongogo.

THE DEAD WAIT will be performed at the Arena Theatre on the UCT Hiddingh Campus in Orange Street, Gardens, from 20 - 22 November 2014 at 8pm nightly. Bookings can be made by emailing Nabeelah Kahn.