A moving family drama coming shortly to Nottingham Playhouse lays bare the complexities of life in post-apartheid South Africa. NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH is a rare opportunity to see the work of the legendary John Kani, both its writer and lead actor. Following an outstandingly warm reception from critics and audiences in South Africa, New York and London, the play is now on tour. Presented by UK Arts International in association with Hampstead Theatre, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH comes to Nottingham Playhouse from Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 June at 7.45pm (Box Office: 0115 941 9419 or www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk). John Kani will also take part in a post-show discussion on Thursday 7 June.
Set in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH explores the relationship between those who remained in South Africa throughout the struggle against apartheid and those who did not. 63-year-old Sipho Makhaya has borne with great fortitude the personal loss and hardship he suffered under the old regime, raising alone his daughter Thando. In contrast, Sipho’s estranged brother Themba was a charismatic freedom fighter, who fled for England and lived out his life in exile. Now Themba’s death brings to South Africa Mandisa, the niece whom Sipho has never seen, and forces long-suppressed family secrets and resentments into the light of day.
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH shows the personal, human story within the political situation. Set during the famous Truth and Reconciliation hearings, on which his daughter Thando is working, it is above all the story of Sipho: one good man struggling to forgive the betrayals and animosities within his own family as well as the wider sphere. Kani’s play created a sensation in South Africa, as the first to show on stage the enduring problems of life after apartheid, but also won all the nation’s major theatre awards – as well as the praise of Nelson Mandela.
John Kani, the writer and star of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, is credited with changing the face of theatre in South Africa. As well as acting in the renowned Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island, John co-wrote both plays with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona. These won him the 1974/75 Tony Award on Broadway for Best Actor, even though apartheid-era restrictions meant that he and Ntshona had to register as Fugard’s servants in order to travel outside South Africa. In 2002, the year he wrote NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, he was given New York’s Obie award for his extraordinary contribution to theatre. Kani’s extensive film credits include The Ghost and the Darkness with Michael Douglas and The Tichborne Claimant with John Gielgud and Stephen Fry. A film version of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH is in production.
John Kani’s UK profile is at a new high this year. As well as NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, he has also revived Sizwe Banzi is Dead at the National Theatre, and Peter Brook’s production of the same play was recently presented at the Barbican. This is an exciting opportunity for East Midlands audiences to see Kani in his own award-winning play NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, alongside actresses Rosie Motene and Motshabi Tyelele, famed in South Africa for their television, film and stage work. Janice Honeyman directs, with design by Sarah Roberts and lighting by Mannie Manim.
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