Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - February 26, 2006
Thabo Mkhize
The founding father of township theatre died of Aids in November 2004.
The Call, which Kente wrote shortly after he went public about being HIV-positive, will premier at Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, in Soweto, today.
Kente's son, Fezidinga Kente, said the play would also be performed at various other venues throughout the country.
He said The Call sought to dispel some of the widely held myths about HIV/Aids.
The Call is a story about a man who wants to bring hope to people living with HIV.
The play's main character, Smudza, believes that a musical will serve as an effective vehicle to spread information about HIV/Aids.
After forming a group called Friends, it later emerges that many of the members do not practise the safe sex that they preach.
Smudza is one of the culprits, putting his faith in muti from a sangoma instead of using proper protection.
"Bra Gibs's main message is that we need to 'condomise' and stop fooling around. It is his reflection of HIV/Aids," said Fezidinga Kente.
Director Linda Sebenzo said the play would spread the message that "even when you have HIV/Aids, it is important to use a condom so as to not spread the disease".
She said the play dispelled many myths, such as the belief that sleeping with a virgin would cure HIV/Aids and that traditional healers had a cure for the disease.
In a career lasting more than 40 years, Kente produced over 20 plays and taught drama to many of South Africa's leading artists.
060226
ST060203
Copyright © 2006 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .