Struggle play heading to the big screen
Shooting on Asinamali!, the film based on the multi-award-winning South African musical hit of the same name, began earlier this month.
The 1985 theatre production by famous playwright Mbongeni Ngema was his first major stage musical, followed by Sarafina! Which was released as a film in 1992.
A local and international success, Asinamali! is a show of immense vitality, sadness and humour, combining exhilarating dance and acting with awe-inspiring choral music.
Asinamali! is inspired by events surrounding the 1983 rent boycott in Lamontville township, Durban.
It was led by activist Msizi Dube, and the rallying cry was ‘asinamali’, isiZulu for ‘we have no money’. Asinamali! was revolutionary for its time and became a rallying cry for the poor and oppressed.
The play had a sold-out run at The Market Theatre before appearing on Broadway in New York, and throughout the world, winning numerous awards along the way. Ngema is seeking to preserve the classic play by turning it into a film that will be available for generations to come.