Reader Reviews
Sizwe Banzi is Dead (Lyttelton (National Theatre), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | It starts off very funny and then through a series of unpredictable turns becomes a deeply moving and poignant comment on a South Africa so recent yetso long ago. The performances are inspiring and the whole thing theatrical magic. Gareth - Gareth James | 03 Apr 07 |
| Extraordinary. John Kani's monologue at the beginning of the play is magnificent. An object lesson in how one actor can fill an almost empty stage. The rest of the play has less impact today than it once had but it is still exceptionally powerful. Has there ever before been a partnership such as this where two actors have returned to a play 35 years after their first performance ? - fred | 03 Apr 07 |
| I saw this extraordinary play at a packed Saturday matinee, and in common with the vast majority of the audience, was enthralled by it and by the two magnificent actors. It is pointless to say that this piece no longer has any relevance, since apartheid has long gone. The fact that it was written specifically as a criticism of that cruel regime detracts not an iota from its contemporary significance, but serves as a timely reminder (especially when we are in the midst of celebrating the bicentenary of the abolition of slaver) that tyranny still persists in many parts of the world. The performances of John Kani and Winston Ntshona are little short of miraculous, and they thoroughly deserved the standing ovation they received. - sc | 24 Mar 07 |
