Chilahaebolae

ABOUT

CHILAHAEBOALAE is an action-packed musical satire fashioned from the wealth of African fable. Phokobje, Hunguhwe or Mpungushe is a trickster figure we recognise from folklore. In Chilahaebolae, re vaya le di saambenche whose stories are well known in Southern Africa and beyond; Phiri, the parasitic companion and Mpja, the docile figure. Drawing scenes with the language of anticipatory dance drama, the play tells the story of PHOKOBJE, PHIRI and MPJA. They face the harsh realities of a world interrupted by MOTHO.  Water reserves are dry, and food is scarce ko Nageng. The trio band together to scrape for dipapa le mavati. Temperamental journeys toss them into Chilahaebolae, a place of plenty. Fede, fortune locates them differently. MPJA accepts the life of the leash, while PHIRI is content to live between the crevices. PHOKOBJE's refusal to comply with the ways of a world run by MOTHO complicates matters. Cracks on the edifice of their trinity grow wider and deeper with the rise of self-interest.  When, ultimately, they recognize the limits of the game of scratching for dipapa, rumbles of rebellion awake.  

DIRECTIONS