“This lecture will expose a side not mentioned often. We will not be dwelling on glorifying King Cetswayo’s exploits but demonstrating how ‘unity of purpose’ has achieved what experts would have called impossible, as Africans bared it all and showed preparedness to lay down their lives in defence of their land,” explains Khoza.

“Spending time in my mother’s hometown of rural Somerset East exposed me to the legend of John Kepe,” says Qubeka. “The epic nature of his capture, the spiritual poetry of his calling, the impending horror of Apartheid and the power of Kepe’s fervent belief in something greater than himself drew me to his intriguing tale.

Nina Simone Four Women written by Christina Ham uses the framework of one of Nina Simone’s most blistering songs “Four Women” to give voice to a group of women who suffered from self-hatred due to the different hues of their skin. These matriarchs of emancipation carry their songs of praise and protest deep within their spirits. These voices of angels unite in a chorus to cast out the demon of segregation.

It’s like battling a tide and trying to win, and believing you can. That the sheer force of will can overcome the natural pull of the gravity and the density of the energy that has already been cast in your direction.

Eqhudeni is co-written and directed by Nomfundo Magwaza ka Ziqubu, Ntando Ngcungama and Nokwethemba Ngcobo. Eqhudeni joins a long list of productions that have come from the Festival to have a successful season at the Market Theatre and beyond.