The title on its own tells you that you are up for a drama. The play is currently on at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, until April 10. It was introduced during lockdown as a 20-minute production that was viewed virtually.
The extended production made its way to John Kani stage featuring Ziaphora Dakile (who plays Tshego), Lesoko Seabe (Beauty) and Dimpho More (Noni).
The story follows three sisters on the eve of their mother’s funeral. They are busy sorting out the deceased’s clothes to choose a perfect outfit to bury her in.
The firstborn and second-born are married while the youngest is still trying to find her dream job as an architect. The issue begins when they had to decide which outfit is best fitted to bury their mother in, and who should choose it.
Traditionally, choosing an outfit is a task for the eldest daughter. However, in this case the firstborn is living a good life in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and will arrive late for the funeral.
When she finally arrives, there is a clash of personalities as sisters argue. Tempers fly as the girls grieve at the same time. They debate culture, family feuds and motherhood as they sort through their mother’s clothes.
The disagreement about who has the right to chose the dress and which dress is perfect triggers many childhood traumas among the girls and open old, unhealed wounds.
Issues of who was there for the mother, who supported her and who was not loved start cropping out during a heated conversation. The one who took care of the mother when she had cancer believes that she has the right to chose the burial outfit because she knew her well.
At some point, the drama moves away from the mother’s clothes to who is married to the more richer and loving man. Girls being girls, they start hurling insults at one another and are itching for a fight.
In the end, they are able to share a joke over a drink and find common ground.
With the story, Motuba brought a relatable story that makes sense, especially to many black families. It is a well-known fact that some families fight over deceased’s belongings even before they are buried — a nasty taboo.
Motuba tells the story with a bit of wit and humour. Diaparo Tsa Mama is a short but perfectly poignant three-hander that is complemented by great talent.
Some of the show’s misses is that it takes long to introduce the second actor, Noni, and third actor, Beauty, into the story. Both characters are introduced when the story is almost dropping its momentum.
Even when the show ends, actors take long to come on stage to take a bow.
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