Disappointed fans who were unable to get tickets during the festive season run of The Zulu will be able to see the production when it has a further season at the Playhouse at the end of the month with eight performances set aside for school audiences.

With previous successful runs at the Market Theatre and performances in Austria, Germany and Denmark, The Zulu returns to the Playhouse Opera having just completed a run in Cape Town. (See review on these pages)

The production tells a story of one of the most important historical events in South Africa’s past - the victory of King Cetshwayo kaMpande’s mighty Zulu army over the British at the epic Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. The quick and mobile Zulu warriors went to battle against the heavily armed British colonial army. It was the worst defeat Britain was to suffer in her entire colonial history.

The Zulu is written, composed, choreographed and directed by Mbongeni Ngema. Original lighting design is by Mannie Manim and Sarah Roberts has designed an impressive set. She has also designed costumes in conjunction with Catherine Ndlovu and Dalton Hostel Dwellers.

Schools’ performances are at 10h00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from May 2 to 17 with tickets at R10. Bookings on (031) 369-9497.

Public performances take place from April 29 to May 20 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets R35 at TicketWeb outlets or on-line at www.ticketweb.co.za, or call (031) 369-9444. There is now a TicketWeb agency in Umlazi at the TicketWeb/ MultiChoice/MTN Umlazi Agency, Shop L17 at Umlazi Mall.